WhatsApp caves in: Won't limit features if you reject privacy changes

WhatsApp says that it will no longer limit the app's functionality for users who disagree with the new privacy policy requiring them to share their data with Facebook companies.

This change of mind comes after WhatsApp updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Service in January, leaving users three choices: to accept sharing their data with Facebook, stop using the app altogether, or delete their accounts.

Four months later, in early May, the company gave up on its plans to delete user accounts, saying that, starting May 15, features would be removed one by one for users who don't agree with the new policy changes.

WhatsApp reverses course once again

Now, WhatsApp backtracked on its decision again, changing the wording on its website to say that users will not have their accounts deleted or lose any app functionality on May 15, even if they disagree with the privacy policy update.

The change of mind comes after the Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (HmbBfDI) banned Facebook in May from processing WhatsApp user data for three months.

"Given recent discussions with various authorities and privacy experts, we want to make clear that we will not limit the functionality of how WhatsApp works for those who have not yet accepted the update," the company said in a statement.

"We will continue to remind users from time to time and let them accept the update, including when they choose to use relevant optional features like communicating with a business that is receiving support from Facebook."

Even though "the majority of users who have seen the update have accepted," WhatsApp will keep showing reminders, "providing more information about the update and reminding those who haven't had a chance to do so to review and accept." 

Facebook companies that could access WhatsApp users' data according to the new privacy changes include Facebook, Facebook Payments, Onavo, Facebook Technologies, and CrowdTangle.

"We may use the information we receive from them, and they may use the information we share with them, to help operate, provide, improve, understand, customize, support, and market our Services and their offerings, including the Facebook Company Products," WhatsApp explains.

WhatsApp was forced to provide additional information on how its apps handle user data starting with December 2020, after Apple began requiring it from all apps listed on the App Store.

Right now, App Store privacy labels on WhatsApp Messenger's entry say that it is likely collecting and linking the following type of data to its users' profiles:

How to back up data or delete your account

If you want to migrate to other messaging platforms, you can download a report of their account and export your chat history using your iOS or Android device.

If you also want to delete their accounts before switching platforms, you can do it by following step-by-step instructions for Android, iPhone, or KaiOS users.

"Deleting your account is something we can't reverse as it erases your message history, removes you from all of your WhatsApp groups, and deletes your WhatsApp backups," the company says.

Although your account will not be deleted for not agreeing to share your data with Facebook companies, WhatsApp also warns that accounts get automatically deleted after 120 days of inactivity, as stated in the current inactive account deletion policy.