WhatsApp's Policy Update: Better Service or Privacy Breach?
You have until 8th Feb to accept WhatsApp's new privacy policy or you can say goodbye to the app. But, what's really brewing here? Read on.
The app that we cannot live without - WhatsApp has updated its privacy policy.
If you do not accept the new terms of services before the deadline of 8th Feb 2021, you will not be able to use the app anymore!
But...
Why Zuck, Why?
"in order to enable users and businesses better, we are updating our terms of service and privacy policy" ....so claims the company.
But, what really is the change in the new policy?
And why is it such a big deal?
Well, the earlier policy included:
‘Respect for your privacy is coded into our DNA. Since we started WhatsApp, we’ve aspired to build our Services with a set of strong privacy principles in mind."
Those words have now been removed!
Cause of concern?
Well, let's see what is new.
Facebook has been integrating its services across its platforms (Facebook, FB messenger, Instagram). For the integration of platforms, data sharing is required. Instagram and Facebook Messenger have already been integrated. Now comes WhatsApp. But, what kind of data can be shared from WhatsApp to other platforms?
The features you use, your profile photo, your 'about' information, time when you are online, your device information, the frequency and duration of your activity, your interactions with a business account...
And the list goes on and on.
But, how can the data of one be useful to other platforms?
The possibilities are limitless. With more data, the company will get to know you even better and offer you more personalization.
What's the harm, you ask?
Hear, hear! What the world's richest man has to say!
What looks like harmless data can actually be very dangerous.
Your one 'like' on social media can reveal a lot about your preferences. These platforms then show content based on these preferences, to keep you hooked.
But when you see only one side of ideas on social media, you won't understand the other side of things. And gradually you move to radicalism that has the potential of starting riots, like the one that happened in Washington DC when Trump was officially declared a loser (the one that Musk is hinting at).
What alternative do we have?
Signal.
Features of Signal might not be very user-friendly but its end-to-end encryption does not come with terms and conditions asterisk like Whatsapp.
Yes, you will have to persuade your network to switch. But, this hassle may turn out to be for the best.
When Facebook acquired Whatsapp in the biggest ever deal in 2014, we could only imagine how it would change things.
And boy, did it surpass our imagination!
Everything is just a click away, but the world is more divided than ever. Data is the new currency, and we are paying the price, every single day.
Is it right to give so much power to someone? Afterall, with great power, comes great responsibility, no?
By Yavantika Malani
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