Facebook revealed they recently released an updated version of its terms of service for its instant messaging platform, WhatsApp.
The Social media company noted that it is essential for WhatsApp users to sign in compliance with its agreement to use its messaging services. Facebook also indicated that its updated terms of service are not compulsory, and there is no penalty attached for non-compliance.
Many WhatsApp users have sought more details about the updated privacy rules, which are expected to appear as a pop-up alert while the application is running so users can easily comply in accepting its terms and conditions.
The Social media company expects active users on its messaging platform to accept its terms. Facebook also noted that the only users that comply would continue using its service after February 8.
However, concerned WhatsApp users have unanswered questions about the updated privacy rules that only Facebook and WhatsApp have the appropriate answers – what kind of data will WhatsApp need to share with its parent company?
There is no need to fear getting kicked off the social platform for not accepting the new service terms. Facebook Inc can’t risk losing its userbase to rival competition with rigid privacy rules. Based on the new regulations’ allegations, the instant messenger will have to share its user data with Facebook, its parent company.
Remember, since the acquisition of the instant messaging company by Facebook, it leaves the social media company the right to overrule WhatsApp decision as to its parent company.
The new Privacy Rule states: “As part of the Facebook family of companies, WhatsApp receives information from, and shares information with, this family of companies.”
Facebook is also liable to protect the interests of the instant messaging platform, as its parent company.
“We may use the information we receive from them, and they may use the information we share with them, to help operate, provide, improve, understand, customize, support, and market our services and their offerings,”
Although WhatsApp feels raved about the updated privacy policy – the instant messaging company said that the new terms of service are strictly based on “business communication,” and it requires the messaging platform to deviate from its usual method of sharing data with Facebook.
WhatsApp spokesman said “The update does not change WhatsApp’s data-sharing practices with Facebook and does not impact how people communicate privately with friends or family wherever they are in the world.
“WhatsApp remains deeply committed to protecting people’s privacy. We are communicating directly with users through WhatsApp about these changes, so they have time to review the new policy for the next month,” he continued.
WhatsApp will not delete a user’s account if they choose to decline its new service terms, but they will indeed be restricted from accessing their messaging service.
According to the instant messaging company, the rules set for its European users are different from the rules the rest of the world gets. However, the motive for this was not disclosed.
WhatsApp also noted that the new terms of service accompanied the move to introduce a payment platform dubbed “Facebook Pay,” which will be added to its messaging app for ease of use to instantly process a business deal. The Facebook chief executive believes that “it should be as easy to send money to someone as it is to send a photo.”
