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WhatsApp in damage control mode after privacy policy backlash
July 21, 2025
WhatsApp is now in damage control mode in the wake of widespread criticism from users over itsupdated privacy policy. The messaging service has taken toTwitterto “address some rumors and be 100% clear” that it protects private messages.
“We want to be clear that the policy update does not affect the privacy of your messages with friends or family in any way. Instead, this update includes changes related to messaging a business on WhatsApp, which is optional, and provides further transparency about how we collect and use data,” WhatsAppwritesin its updated FAQ section.
The Facebook-owned service has also published an infographic clarifying how it handles private messages. It claims that it cannot see messages exchanged between users or hear their calls. Facebook also doesn’t have access to this data. It further clarifies that it does not keep logs and doesn’t see your shared location, contacts, or group messages.
WhatsApp privacy policy: Digging deeper
WhatsApp’s latest clarifications don’t really inspire confidence because the information that it automatically collects and shares with Facebook and third-party providers includes many personal identifiers. Itsprivacy policyclearly states that information collection happens across the board and not just for users interacting with businesses on WhatsApp.
As for the information WhatsApp shares with Facebook companies, itsFAQ sectionstill states the following:
Notice how interaction with businesses is mentioned as an inclusion to all interactions, not as a standalone like the company is now claiming in its latest public messaging.
Also, saying something like “we cannot see your shared location and neither can Facebook” seems wrong on WhatsApp’s part as its policy clearly states “you cannot share your location with your contacts if you do not permit us (WhatsApp) to collect your location data from your device.” Besides, we’ve alreadyseenhow companies have many other ways of figuring out our exact location.
All in all, it looks like WhatsApp is trying its best to retain users whoseem to be looking toother messaging platforms likeSignal and Telegramin the wake of the new policy changes. Our ongoing poll to gauge people’s reaction to WhatsApp’s new privacy policy also shows growing discontent for the platform, even though many people feel they have no choice but to accept its terms. What do you think?
What do you think of WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy?
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