WhatsApp says that it will no longer limit the app s functionality for users who disagree with the new privacy policy requiring them to share their data with Facebook companies.
WhatsApp: Govt warns Nigerian users of alleged privacy breaches
Nigeria’s IT regulator has alerted WhatsApp users in the country to alleged data privacy breaches on the messaging platform owned by Facebook.
The Whatsapp Terms of Service and Privacy Policy which came into effect on May 15 raises serious data privacy concerns to millions of Nigerian users of the messaging service, according to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Mrs. Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relation says in the advisory that the Federal IT regulator wants to “ensure Nigerians do not become victims of digital colonialism”, hence it is advising WhatsApp users to explore alternative platform while discussions are underway with owners, Facebook.
WhatsApp to restrict features if you refuse Facebook data sharing
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WhatsApp says that it will not delete or deactivate the accounts of users who oppose its latest privacy policy update that requires sharing data with Facebook companies.
The company backtracks on a previous decision that gave its users a harsh ultimatum to accept sharing their data with Facebook if they want to continue using their account or, as an alternative, to delete their accounts.
The policy updates pushed by WhatsApp since the start of 2021 show a 180-degree shift compared to last year s privacy policy that allowed users to choose not to have their account info shared with Facebook.
WhatsApp is giving users several weeks to agree to the privacy update
If they don t, the app s functionality will eventually be taken away from them
Any users who don t accept the update will not be able to access their chat list
But they will be able to answer incoming phone and video calls - for a short time
A hot potato: WhatsApp has reversed its decision to delete the accounts of users who refuse to sign its new privacy policy. However, those who are adamant that they won t share their data with Facebook will be bombarded with reminders and eventually have their accounts severely restricted.
WhatsApp announced a controversial new privacy policy for non-EU users in January that allows their account data to be shared with the messaging app s owner, Facebook. The service has shared some information, such as phone numbers, with its parent since 2016, but there were fears that the new policy would allow Facebook to access private WhatsApp conversations.