Home » The new privacy rules arrive on WhatsApp: what happens from May 15th?

The new privacy rules arrive on WhatsApp: what happens from May 15th?

by admin

After the controversy at the beginning of the year, WhatsApp has postponed the entry into force of the new privacy policy by a few months, which however will become operational on May 15.

However, those who do not accept the new rules can use the application and do not risk the cancellation of the account. What will happen is a gradual degradation of the service and user experience, with limited access to chats and the ability to use only certain functions of the application.

The WhatsApp privacy ultimatum, a refresher

  • May 15th is the last day to accept the new WhatsApp privacy policy
  • On that date, it was explained, “no account will be deleted and no functionality will be lost following this update”
  • The app will begin showing people a full-screen reminder inviting them to accept the new privacy policy
  • “After a period of a few weeks”, as written in the dedicated Faq, “The reminder will become persistent” unless the person accepts the new privacy policy
  • WhatsApp has confirmed that the accounts of those who do not accept the privacy policy will not be deleted anyway

However, starting from the moment in which the reminder becomes persistent (it appears continuously, in short), it will no longer be possible to use some of the app’s functions:

  • it will not be possible to access the chat list, which will always be obscured by the reminder;
  • you will not be able to initiate calls or video calls, but you will be able to answer incoming calls and video calls;
  • if WhatsApp notifications are active, you can only reply to messages from the dialog box inside the notification or you can start a call (or video call by tapping on the missed call notifications;
  • after a “period of a few weeks” from the activation of the persistent reminder, “WhatsApp will stop sending and receiving calls to and from the accounts of those who have not accepted the privacy policy”.
See also  one is saved with a gene cure, for the other it's too late - breaking latest news
The new privacy rules arrive on WhatsApp: what happens from May 15th?

The new WhatsApp privacy policy: here’s what changes
Second Enrico Ferraris, Turin lawyer expert in the protection of personal data, “the privacy policy is the same as at the beginning of the year, the date of the last modification remained that of January: what changes are only the date of entry into force and the measures that WhatsApp has decided to adopt to convince us to accept the new information “.

The new privacy policy clarifies some of the most important points and adds safeguards for the data of those who do not use WhatsApp, previously absent: “The use of geolocation via IP and other methods is also specified, if GPS location is not active – Ferraris had already explained to us in January – and clarified how the data of the notifications and reports on violations of the terms of service are treated ».

As for the controversy that had generated an alleged “escape from Whatsapp” towards Telegram, Signal and other competing applications, had actually turned out to be partially unfounded: the criticisms concerned in particular the sharing of data with Facebook, but a more in-depth analysis of the new information had shown that that the only changes in this sense only affect WhatsApp Business accounts.

“To really understand if everything works as stated, an external audit would obviously be needed – concluded Ferraris at the time – but it can be said that for European users almost nothing will change compared to the privacy policy published by WhatsApp in April 2018, just before the application of the Gdpr “.

See also  the lethality rate was 47% - breaking latest news

Germany blocks the collection of WhatsApp data

Despite the assurances of several experts, the Hamburg Privacy Authority yesterday ordered Facebook to block the collection of data from German WhatsApp users. According to the head of the control body, Johannes Caspar, the methods used to convince users to approve the new privacy policy are not in order. “The order aims to secure the rights and freedoms of millions of users who are accepting the terms across Germany,” Caspar said yesterday. “We must prevent the damage and disadvantages associated with such a closed-box procedure.”

Facebook through a spokesperson has made it known that the decision of the Hamburg Guarantor is wrong, in no uncertain terms, and will not stop the publication and dissemination of the new terms of service on privacy. According to the American company, the order of the German authority is based on a misunderstanding in the interpretation of the effects and purposes of the change in the information that will come into force on May 15.

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy