On May 15th, 2021, WhatsApp updated their terms of service and privacy policy for its users worldwide. The new user agreement brings significant changes to the way WhatsApp operates and how user data is handled. This article will cover the latest updates in the new user agreement WhatsApp, what the changes mean for users, and how it impacts businesses that use WhatsApp as a communication channel.
What’s New in the User Agreement WhatsApp?
The most significant change in the new user agreement is how WhatsApp shares user data with Facebook and its subsidiaries. WhatsApp explicitly states that it will now share user data with Facebook, including the following:
– Phone number
– IP address
– Transaction data
– Device information
– Location information
– Log information
WhatsApp assures users that the shared data will not be used for advertisement purposes. Instead, it will be used to improve the services offered by Facebook and its subsidiaries. However, this has raised privacy concerns among users worldwide, as Facebook has been involved in several data breaches in the past.
Another change is how WhatsApp handles chats with businesses that use its platform. Users who interact with businesses on WhatsApp will have their chat data stored on Facebook’s servers, and the businesses will have access to the chats for their own marketing purposes.
What Does It Mean for Users?
For users, the new user agreement means that WhatsApp will now share some of their data with Facebook. Users who do not want their data to be shared can opt-out of the new user agreement. However, opting out means that users will no longer be able to use WhatsApp after May 15th.
Additionally, users who interact with businesses on WhatsApp should be aware that their chat data will be stored on Facebook’s servers. If users do not want their chat data to be used for marketing purposes, they should avoid interacting with businesses on WhatsApp.
How Does It Impact Businesses That Use WhatsApp?
The new user agreement also impacts businesses that use WhatsApp as a communication channel. Businesses that use WhatsApp for customer service or sales will have access to chat data for marketing purposes. This means businesses can use the chat data to improve their products or services and offer personalized recommendations to users.
However, businesses that use WhatsApp should be aware that they need to obtain explicit consent from users to use their chat data for marketing purposes. This means that businesses should inform users that their chat data will be used for marketing purposes and obtain their consent before using the data.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new user agreement WhatsApp brings significant changes to the way WhatsApp operates and how user data is handled. The new agreement allows WhatsApp to share user data with Facebook, which has raised privacy concerns among users. Businesses that use WhatsApp should also be aware of the changes and obtain users’ consent to use chat data for marketing purposes. Users who do not want their data to be shared with Facebook can opt-out of the new user agreement.