Users: 2016
WhatsApp, a platform used by more than two billion people, is just a few days away from introducing new – and mandatory – rules!
After Gmail adopted new rules, affecting millions of users, it’s Gmail’s turn Whatsapp! Meta’s instant messaging platform will also have new guidelines. Launched 15 years ago, in 2009, it completely revolutionized the way many millions of people communicate with each other on a daily basis. Every month new features appear that complement the ‘basic’ ones: messages, voice and video calls, sharing photos, among many others.
In short, there is no doubt that WhatsApp has become an essential part of many people’s digital lives. This is because it facilitates fast, secure and convenient communication across the world. However, the next day 11th of April (Thursday next week) many may have their accounts suspended if they do not accept the new rules that the technology giant is preparing to implement.
WHATSAPP: WHAT IS AT ISSUE?
So, the big change is that WhatsApp is updating its terms of service and privacy policy across Europe. This update comes in the context of the implementation of new European Union regulations, such as the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act. In this sense, all European users must review and accept these changes by April to be able to continue using WhatsApp.
Although it is not the first time that WhatsApp has proposed an update to the terms of service, this measure may not be to everyone’s liking, especially those most skeptical about privacy and data sharing issues. Key updates include clearer guidelines on acceptable use of the platform, a new requirement to send WhatsApp messages to third-party applications, explanations on the functionality of WhatsApp Channels, and changes to international data transfer mechanisms.
Do privacy issues on WhatsApp concern you?
