Days ago we let you know that in the new update to WhatsApp privacy termsIf we did not accept them, it would lead to the deletion of our account (at least outside of Europe where GDPR laws protect this data). Now, WhatsApp has come to the fore to clarify the uncertainty created by this update in the privacy terms and that at no time are user messages exposed to third parties.
And it is that a great stir for many to start trying other alternatives as they are Signal or the same Telegram; that by the way the latter even its CEO came out to declare Apple's privacy problems and more. Be that as it may, WhatsApp has even published an infographic to make it clear to us how it protects the privacy of its users.
When you don't explain yourself well
Everything arose days ago through this update to the privacy terms that users had to accept. Everything seemed to indicate that if you did not accept them, WhatsApp would delete your account forever. So you can already know what happened, hundreds of users installing Signal (when one of the co-founders invested $ 50 million in it), that chat app dedicated to end-to-end encryption, or the same Telegram that many of us have known for years.
WhatsApp has come out quickly and quickly to explain from its FAQ with new questions and answers to make it clear that at no time will private messages from your contacts or groups be used by third parties.
This is how he makes it clear: «the update to the privacy terms does not affect the privacy of your messages with friends or family no way. Instead, this update includes changes related to the messages that can be sent to a business from WhatsApp, which is optional, and offers greater transparency of how we collect and use data«.
A new infographic with WhatsApp highlights
To make the message even clearer, WhatsApp has published an infographic where it is reflected that WhatsApp cannot see private messages or listen to calls, just as neither can Facebook. As it reveals that:
- WhatsApp does not store the history o log of messages sent to other users
- Can't see the shared location
- Do not share contact information with Facebook
- WhatsApp groups are kept private
WhatsApp also takes its time to clarify what concerns the messages we have with businesses that use WhatsApp Business, and how some establishments or businesses on the platform will use the hosting services Facebook to manage WhatsApp chats.
These same businesses will be able to use the information for their own marketing purposes such as Facebook Ads. And so that users know when they are contacting a business, WhatsApp will tag the conversation in the application so that it is aware of it.
WhatsApp also emphasizes that will use the user's shopping activity to personalize their experience in the store of the business or establishment, and, and importantly, if users interact with an advertisement on the platform, Facebook would use the way you related to that advertisement to personalize the ones that you see from that moment on.
Being vague in terms of the use of location data
We already know that the vague use of certain terms can lead to confusion and that then with your lawyers you can use those terms to remove the responsibility for the use, for example, of the location data.
And it is really not very clear, since while they do say that they do not use location data, in the "Information collected automatically" section, they make it very clear that They will use the location data as long as you give access to them. And even if you don't use real-time location sharing with a contact or passing your location, WhatsApp will use the IP address and other information such as area number codes.
Be that as it may, WhatsApp has come to the fore to clarify, but it is not clear what it will and will not use in the location data. More than important and valuable information for third parties who seek to locate their advertising in certain areas. We will see if it changes in this regard as more WhatsApp users go to other apps.
