Just when we thought we might have a chance to get away from WhatsApp’s updated (and generally unwanted) terms and conditions, the instant messaging app has swooped in to remind us once again that it’s still a thing.
Despite upsetting plenty of people, everyone’s favourite [citation needed] messaging app wants to remind users that the privacy policy changes will still be happening “in the coming weeks”. From the sounds of things, WhatsApp wants to be more open with users about the terms they’re required to accept; thus, a banner will eventually be shown on the app with the relevant information needed to keep people in the loop. Guess those Status updates aren’t doing the trick.
Though it doesn’t really matter if they keep people in the loop if they just force the update onto users anyway, right?
WhatsApp claims that the new banner will help users understand the terms of the privacy update a little better, writing in a blog post that it is “…included more information to try and address concerns we’re hearing. Eventually, we’ll start reminding people to review and accept these updates to keep using WhatsApp.”
Same WhatsApp, different day
Let’s just be clear about one thing here: The privacy policy isn’t being amended or changed in any way, just the messaging around it is being tweaked. This is the same update that was pushed out in January that would see users who don’t want to share personal data with Facebook being kicked off the app. It’s the reason there was an exodus to instant messaging app competitors Signal and Telegram, something which WhatsApp addressed directly.
“Other apps say they’re better because they know even less information than WhatsApp. We believe people are looking for apps to be both reliable and safe, even if that requires WhatsApp having some limited data. We strive to be thoughtful on the decisions we make and we’ll continue to develop new ways of meeting these responsibilities with less information, not more,” reads WhatsApp’s post.
So brace yourself, folks. The update isn’t gone, it’s currently waiting in the wings for the right opportunity to drop in and take you by surprise… albeit with slightly more transparent messaging, we hope.
Source: Engadget