Rivals troll WhatsApp over its new Privacy Policy
Millions of WhatsApp users have taken the drastic step of abandoning the app ahead of a privacy policy update that will force them to share their data with Facebook.
The update, which will be released on February 8, affects WhatsApp users in all countries outside of Europe and the UK, where data protection laws are stricter.
Users in these regions will be required to give their consent for Facebook to access their data, including their phone numbers and information about how they interact with others, in order to continue using the app.
The requirement will apply regardless of whether or not the WhatsApp user has a Facebook account.
The news has led many people to jump ship to rival apps, with Telegram picking up nearly 2.2 million downloads, and Signal gaining 100,000 downloads in the first seven days of 2021, according to data from Sensor Tower.
At the same time, downloads of WhatsApp plummeted by 11% in the first week of 2021, compared with the prior week.
WhatsApp users have been left reeling by the latest change, which means they could lose access to their account unless they agree to share data with Facebook.
WhatsApp’s new privacy policy is causing an outcry and a wave of defections to rivals.@NateLanxon breaks down what it means for its 2 billion users https://t.co/uY7MnpMLNf pic.twitter.com/hVUSSeDDVp
— Bloomberg Quicktake (@Quicktake) January 11, 2021
