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WhatsApp has been preparing to roll out a new privacy policy for its mobile app. After getting pushback from users, the company delayed the implementation, but it’s moving forward with the changes anyway.
The instant messaging giant released updated privacy policy guidelines that every WhatsApp user should know about. Here’s what you need to understand if you’re still using WhatsApp on your phone.
If you haven’t heard about this policy change and want to know how it affects your WhatsApp account, keep reading.
WhatsApp set a May 15 deadline for the new privacy policy rollout. The company updated its FAQ section to address the most common questions from concerned users. You can find detailed information there about what’s changing and what it means for you.
What Happens After the New Privacy Policy Takes Effect?
Before the public backlash, WhatsApp said it would delete accounts belonging to users who refused to accept the new policy. After the negative response, the company changed its stance and confirmed it won’t delete accounts after May 15.
You still have two choices:
- Accept the privacy policy guidelines before May 15
- Download your chat history, delete your WhatsApp account, and switch to a different messaging app
The company confirmed that your account won’t disappear if you don’t accept the new guidelines. But here’s the catch: some features and functions will be limited for users who don’t agree to the update.
In other words, you’ll eventually need to accept the policy if you want to keep using WhatsApp with all its features.
What happens after the rollout of the new Privacy Policy Guidelines
If you don’t accept the policy update, you’ll still be able to receive phone calls, but you won’t be able to read or send messages.
Users can export their chat history from both Android and iOS. There’s also an option to download a full report of your account data.
And yes, you can permanently delete your WhatsApp account if you choose to. But be aware that once deleted, you can’t restore it. WhatsApp made this clear in their updated FAQs section.
If you’re unsure about what to do, don’t delete your account just yet. Give yourself time to decide.
For uninterrupted service, WhatsApp is encouraging users to accept the new terms. Once you do, everything works as normal.
The company also updated its guidelines for inactive accounts. WhatsApp accounts that have been inactive for more than 120 days will be deleted automatically.
One interesting detail: WhatsApp keeps all the data stored locally on your phone. So even if you delete your WhatsApp account, the photos and videos saved on your device stay right where they are. You can still access them through your phone’s gallery app.
If you re-register a new WhatsApp account on the same phone, the previously stored WhatsApp data will show up in the app again.
WhatsApp plans to add new features aimed at clearing up confusion around the policy update. The company wants to address the misinformation that’s been spreading so users feel comfortable accepting the guidelines and using the app without restrictions.
Thinking About Switching? Here Are Your Options
If you’d rather move to a different platform, there are plenty of alternatives out there with even more features than WhatsApp.
Telegram, for example, offers a bunch of extra features. And the app now lets you migrate your WhatsApp chat history directly into Telegram. You can bring over personal chats and group chats, including documents, photos, and videos, as long as you’re using the same phone.
That makes Telegram a solid alternative for anyone who doesn’t want to accept WhatsApp’s updated privacy terms.
What About the Facebook Connection?
Facebook and WhatsApp are working together on online transactions, aiming to create a smooth shopping experience through shared payment gateways. The new terms involve merging payment systems between Facebook and WhatsApp by sharing users’ transaction details.
To help clear up questions, WhatsApp also plans to add a banner inside the app addressing common concerns and correcting misinformation in the coming weeks.
