Posted on 01/12/2021 12:25:43 PM PST by Red Badger
WhatsApp is making a huge change to its privacy policy from February 8
The change affects the way WhatsApp allows businesses to communicate
Users cannot opt out and will lose access to their accounts if they don't agree
There is a separate privacy policy for WhatsApp users in Europe and the UK
Following the news, many users have jumped shipped to rival messaging apps, including Telegram and Signal
=================================================================
Millions of WhatsApp users have taken the drastic step of abandoning the app ahead of a privacy policy update that will force them to share their data with Facebook.
The update, which will be released on February 8, affects WhatsApp users in all countries outside of Europe and the UK, where there are strict data protection laws.
Users in these regions will be required to give their consent for Facebook to access their data, including their phone numbers and information about how they interact with others, in order to continue using the app.
The requirement will apply regardless of whether or not the WhatsApp user has a Facebook account.
The news has led many people to jump ship to rival apps, according to data from Sensor Tower.
When the privacy policy changes were announced on January 7, Telegram picked up nearly 1.7 million downloads and Signal gained 1.2 million downloads, while WhatsApp, which usually dominates, gained just 1.3 million downloads.
WhatsApp installations also fell approximately 13 per cent to 10.3 million downloads in the first seven days of January, compared to the seven days prior.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
No. 1 concern and resource of social media apps is people, and the people desire anonymity.
I deleted mine, but never really used it anyway. I first deleted my account, then I deleted the app.
*
Rival apps being banned by Apple and google and their web server shut off in 3...2...1...
Once Zuckerberg bought it, it was deleted.
I simply detest facebook, and Mark Schmuckerberg.
Bit it lets you keep in touch with all your radicalized Maoist family members and discover things about your neighbors and friends you don’twant to knowwww....good times.....and how many kilometers they ran this weekend.
Big Tech is trying to merge itself into a U.S. version of WeChat.
I’ve had one of my WhatsApp groups move to Threema. So far so good.
[Big Tech is trying to merge itself into a U.S. version of WeChat.]
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.