Backlash Forces WhatsApp To Delay Data-Sharing Change

San Francisco: WhatsApp deferred a data-sharing change after users concerned about privacy left the Facebook-owned messaging service and resorted to rivals Signal and Telegram.

The smartphone application backtracked on its early February 8 deadline to accept an update to its terms concerning sharing data with Facebook. It said it would use the pause to clear up misinformation around privacy and security, reported news agency AFP.

“We’ve heard from so many people how much confusion there is around our recent update,” WhatsApp said via a blog post.

“This update does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook.”

The app said it would instead “go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15.”

Thank you to everyone who’s reached out. We’re still working to counter any confusion by communicating directly with @WhatsApp users. No one will have their account suspended or deleted on Feb 8 and we’ll be moving back our business plans until after May – https://t.co/H3DeSS0QfO

— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 15, 2021

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