WhatsApp will restrict functions for users who reject the new terms and conditions and thus the transfer of Facebook data. However, accounts that refuse to share Facebook data will not be deleted immediately.
That sounds very different from a few weeks ago when the anger about the new WhatsApp terms and conditions boiled up – but it comes to the same result. Users have until May 15, 2021, to accept the new terms of use and privacy policy. Anchored in this is the sharing of data with Facebook companies, which many users see critically and is also the focus of data protectionists.
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Facebook, Facebook Payments, Onavo, Facebook Technologies, and CrowdTangle are some of the Facebook companies that will be able to access WhatsApp user data after the data protection changes. “We can use the information that we receive from you and you can use the information that we share with you to operate, provide, improve, to operate our services and their offers, including the products of the company Facebook understand, adapt support and market, “says WhatsApp.
Now there is an update for those who do not just want to agree. According to the online magazine BleepingComputer, WhatsApp is now saying that the company will not delete or deactivate the accounts of users who oppose the latest update of the data protection guidelines. The company is backing down from an earlier decision that gave its users a tough ultimatum to accept the transfer of their data to Facebook if they want to continue using their account.
Limited functionality instead of account deactivation
WhatsApp has published a new FAQ on its website, which, among other things, deals with the deadline of May 15. It now says that “no one will have their accounts deleted or functionality lost” because the guidelines are being updated. Over the next few weeks, users will continue to receive reminders to accept sharing their data with Facebook, even after May 15th. “During this time you will find limited functions on WhatsApp until you accept the updates,” the company continues.
As can be seen from the opinion of WhatsApp, users who do not accept the data protection updates will gradually be restricted in the functionality of their accounts and this will work towards a deletion:
“You won’t be able to access your chat list, but you can still answer the incoming phone and video calls. If you’ve turned on notifications, you can tap them to read or reply to a message, or to call back a missed phone or video call. “
It then goes on to say that after a few weeks of limited functionality, it will no longer be able to receive incoming calls or notifications, and WhatsApp will stop sending messages and calls to your phone. This is of course pretty much the same as deactivating the account. It also leads to the deletion of the account – After 120 days of inactivity, accounts are automatically deleted in accordance with the current WhatsApp policy for deleting inactive accounts.
“Deleting your account is something we cannot undo, as it deletes your message history, removes you from all your WhatsApp groups, and deletes your WhatsApp backups,” Bleeping Computer quoted the company as saying.
