WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging service, has announced what will happen to users who still do not accept the updated privacy policies after May 15, 2021. Although the company has stated in strict language that it will not delete accounts, it looks like it will apply a ‘harassment’ policy on users.
Facebook’s popular messaging service WhatsApp has been the target of backlash in recent months after it announced changes to its terms of service. Announcing the new privacy policy earlier this year, the company sent users a notification to accept these updated policies and gave them until February 8.
The messaging service, which said that those who did not agree to the terms would not be able to use the app when the deadline expired, extended this period until May 15, 2021, after incoming responses. Now, the company has released an announcement showing what will happen to users who do not agree to the deal after that date, and what sanctions will be imposed.
WhatsApp to apply’ harass ‘ policy to those who do not agree to contract
WhatsApp reiterated in an announcement from its website that the last day for users to adopt the new privacy policy is May 15. But there will be no instantaneous event on May 15, and users ‘ accounts will not be deleted; instead, after that date, what those who still don’t agree to the agreement can do on WhatsApp will be gradually limited.
According to the statement, those who do not accept the contract will continue to see the notification requested to be accepted. After a while, this notification will become permanent, and users will not be able to access chat lists in the first place, but will still continue to answer the incoming phone and video calls. In addition, notifications can be used to read or reply to a message or to call back a missed call.
After weeks of limited functionality, users will start not receiving incoming calls or notifications, and WhatsApp will stop sending messages and calls to that user. As a result, there will be two options that users can do: first, delete WhatsApp and switch to a new app, and second, accept WhatsApp’s privacy terms.
In the coming days, we will all see whether the harassment policy that WhatsApp will implement will work on users.
