WhatsApp has announced a revision of its privacy policy to exchange user data with other Facebook-owned businesses and third-party applications. The software itself remains encrypted end-to-end, ensuring the company cannot read your messages, but it will capture and exchange other data and information such as battery level, signal strength, and IP address.
Revised privacy policies must be acknowledged by February 8, 2021, if you plan to continue using your account. Users across the world have already started getting popups, asking them to agree to continue using their account before that date.
The message goes "By tapping agree, you accept the new terms and privacy policy, which take effect on February 8, 2021. After this date, you will need to accept these updates to continue using WhatsApp. You can also visit the Help Centre if you would prefer to delete your account and would like more information"
The new policy covers three things: App services and how your data can be processed; how companies can use Facebook hosting services to store and manage their WhatsApp chats; and how the app can collaborate with Facebook to provide connectivity through Facebook company goods.
Your IP address, account registration information (such as your phone number), transaction details, service-related information, information about how you communicate with others (including businesses) when using the app, and information about your mobile device are the data that the company can share with other Facebook companies (such as the battery level, signal strength).
The updated strategy has irked global consumers and more and more individuals are starting to turn to other messaging applications. If you wish to delete your WhatsApp account, below are the steps to delete your account
1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap More options > Settings > Account > Delete my account.
3. Enter your phone number in full international format and tap DELETE MY ACCOUNT.
4. Select a reason for why you're deleting your account in the dropdown.
5. Tap DELETE MY ACCOUNT.