WhatsApp has faced a backlash after introducing new privacy laws that may deactivate your account if you don’t click I accept.
The policy was criticized for being “too draconian”, with some people now turning to the competing app Signal.
Verification codes are currently delayed across several providers because so many new people are trying to join Signal right now (we can barely register our excitement). We are working with carriers to resolve this as quickly as possible. Hang in there.
– Signal (@signalapp) January 7, 2021
The encrypted messaging app Signal reportedly witnessed an increase in signups after a recent WhatsApp pop-up notified users of the new privacy rules.
The news rules apply to all users, but individuals outside the UK and EU will also need to agree to share more data with Facebook.
If affected users do not accept the new privacy terms, they will lose access to their WhatsApp account, effective February 8th.
Signal and Telegram are now better alternatives if you are concerned about your privacy. Here’s what a Facebook wants out of you on WhatsApp and it’s own site: pic.twitter.com/uBN5g9ufgx
– Mike Butcher (@mikebutcher) January 7, 2021
Several people saw a pop-up window for the new WhatsApp terms already, and clicked “OK” without reading the terms completely.
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The UK and EU regulations do not mention the Facebook data sharing changes. The personal data that some users will have to agree to share with the tech giant includes their phone numbers.
And even billionaire Elon Musk has tweeted to tell people to use Signal. This is believed to have encouraged a massive wave of subscriptions.
Signal recently tweeted: “Verification codes are currently being delayed across many service providers, because a lot of new people are trying to join Signal at the moment. We are working with carriers to solve this problem as quickly as possible.”
Signal is considered the most secure method of digital communication on the open market. It gives users the option of being able to delete their private messages within a specified period of time, from one week to five seconds.
The disappeared messages are admired by senior government figures, because they help limit leaks. But this option also makes it impossible to subsequently confiscate their messages by requests for freedom of information or by order of a judge.
The “WhatsApp” site contains a section that answers “What information does WhatsApp share with the Facebook companies?” It states the following: “WhatsApp shares certain categories of information with the Facebook companies.”
He continues: “The information that we share with other” Facebook “companies includes: your account registration information (such as your phone number), transaction data, service-related information, and information about how you interact with others (including companies) when using our services, or a mobile device. , And your IP address, and may include other information specified in the privacy policy section titled “Information We Collect”, or obtained upon notice to you or upon your consent. “
The updated policy also suggests that you may receive marketing materials about the Facebook companies. This may be another step towards integrating Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram as a single entity.
Source: The Sun
