WhatsApp, the encrypted messaging app owned by Facebook, has just changed its policy. According to this new policy, WhatsApp users will have to choose between accepting to share their personal data with Facebook or deleting their account and discontinuing the use of this messaging app.
When launching the WhatsApp app, a very large notification will automatically pop up, forcing users to accept sharing their data with the parent company Facebook. If they refuse, their account will be unusable after February 8.
It is clear that this is Facebook’s response to Apple. Previously, Apple implemented a new privacy policy on iOS 14, allowing users to see what personal data apps collect and to choose to permit or block the collection of personal data.
So, if users choose not to allow the app to collect their personal data anymore, Facebook will also not allow those users to use the app. It seems Facebook is not yet ready to apply this response to its core applications like Facebook or Messenger, so it has experimented first with WhatsApp.
Facebook is also updating its new policy, allowing Facebook to share collected data with its subsidiaries. “As part of Facebook, WhatsApp has the responsibility to share data and the benefits of shared data with Facebook. We can use data from them, and they can use our data, to help improve, operate, provide services, and better support users,” a Facebook representative stated.
Meanwhile, a representative from WhatsApp did not provide a clear answer, only stating generally that this change will help both platforms grow better.
However, this is an action that coerces users; they have no other choice but to share their personal data with Facebook, or they will no longer be able to use the app. This completely contradicts Apple’s intentions.
A response to Apple, but aimed at users, and it could turn into Facebook’s suicide move. Because users can completely choose another encrypted messaging app to replace WhatsApp and boycott this approach by Facebook.
Perhaps out of fear of strong backlash from users, Facebook does not dare to implement this new policy on its core applications like Messenger or Instagram. However, it seems that if the conflict between Facebook and Apple escalates, users will bear the most disadvantages.
Source: arstechnica