Many people criticise WhatsApp application because of its new policy of sharing user data with Facebook. Many WhatsApp users are starting to switch to other application platforms such as Telegram to Signal. Hence, WhatsApp boss clarifies this controversy.
Thus, WhatsApp Global Head, Will Cathcart emphasized that the company is very serious about chat privacy and security. The update is claimed to not affect the privacy of users’ private messages with friends and family in any way.
Launching Business Line, Cathcart realized the update had caused confusion. However, it has done everything possible to assure users that their data is not being misused.
“You can tell that your messages and calls are protected because they are marked ‘end-to-end encrypted’ at the top of every chat,” says Cathcart.
Cathcart also explained the reason why all users are required to accept the update, not just business account users. He said that because there will be many users who will use business accounts in the future.
“Not everyone can talk to business accounts today, but some will talk in the future. Therefore, it is important for everyone to be aware of this option,” he said.
Cathcart says this update helps with general transparency and includes changes to describe the communication. Even though this is an optional feature, the company finds it important that everyone is aware of it. For example, if a user sends a message to a business, they may receive a service from Facebook.
In addition, the application is deemed necessary to periodically provide updates to its users, for example explaining data collection practices.
The latest WhatsApp update is claimed to provide more transparency on how to collect and use data, and includes an update to explain the business messaging features.
WhatsApp has Become Part of Facebook For Many Years
Cathcart again explained the reasons for WhatsApp to share data with Facebook. One of the reasons is that WhatsApp has been a part of Facebook for many years.
However, he emphasized that his party still cannot see private messages of users with friends and family, as well as Facebook.
In addition, WhatsApp does not keep logs of who is texting or calling its users, nor does it share contacts with Facebook or any other application Facebook offers.
“We offer a global service to communicate with friends, family, colleagues, and Facebook to help us ensure that we can provide this service reliably. In addition, we work with Facebook to support millions of micr businesses,” said Cathcart.
Launching the Asian Campaign, Cathcart admits that they have to compete to win user trust in terms of privacy. Everyone is judged to have a choice in how they communicate and be sure that no one else can see their chat.
“WhatsApp has become a part of people’s lives and also how businesses get done and we are excited to continue to build great features that will excite people,” he said.
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