WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

Facebook Inc's WhatsApp is making a second attempt to convince users to accept its new privacy policy and said it will go ahead with its controversial privacy policy update. However they will allow users to read it at "their own pace" and will also display a banner providing additional information.

In January, the messaging platform informed users it was preparing a new privacy policy, under which it could share limited user data with Facebook and its group firms. It sparked a global outcry and sent Millions of users to rival apps Telegram and Signal  and whatsapp postponed the new policy launch to May.

In India, the messaging app's biggest user base, Facebook executives fielded questions from a parliamentary panel on the need for the changes, days after the country's technology ministry asked the messaging platform to withdraw them.

WhatsApp said it will start reminding users to review and accept updates to keep using the messaging platform. As part of its second attempt to convince users, WhatsApp will begin displaying a banner alert within the app in the coming weeks.image copyrightimage captionThe in-app banner will lead to more detailed explanations for usersIt encourages users to learn more about the update and what is - and is not - changing. headtopics.com

WhatsApp's announcement comes as parent Facebook moved to block all news content in Australia on Thursday, facing backlash from publishers and politicians, prompting a senior British lawmaker to label the move as an attempt to bully a democracy.