Facebook-owned messaging colossus&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;retreated again from its plan to force users to accept new terms which critics said could expand data collection from its two billion users around the world.

It comes after a&nbsp;German regulator on Tuesday slapped a three-month ban on Facebook collecting user data from&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;accounts and referred the case to an EU watchdog, citing concerns about election integrity.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-world-pushes-back-against-new-whatsapp-privacy-policy-384634/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

WhatsApp, which was set to enforce its new data-sharing policy on May 15, following a delay in response to a user outcry -- revealed on its website that it would not immediately cut off users who don't accept the new terms, although it would send reminders to those who don't opt-in.

The update will allow additional sharing of information from&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;with Facebook and its other applications such as Instagram and Messenger, such as contacts and profile data, but not the content of messages which remain encrypted.

The platform had claimed the update was chiefly aimed at merchants who use&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;to chat with customers -- allowing them to share data with Facebook.

But critics feared it could open the door to broader data sharing with Facebook with potential implications for user privacy.

The Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information sent the order to the social network, which owns the popular messaging service. Hamburg has jurisdiction because Facebook's German branch is based in the city.&nbsp;

The tech giant informed&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;users earlier this year that they had to consent to a new data-use policy to continue using the service.

The German authority said in an emergency decision that the terms of that agreement were now null and void in Europe's top economy for three months.

It will hand the case over to the European Data Protection Board, an independent EU body that enforces rules throughout the 27-nation bloc. &nbsp;

The head of the German regulator, Johannes Caspar, said past Facebook data protection breaches as well as Germany's general election in September showed the "dangers" of "mass building of user profiles" that could be exploited.

"This ruling is intended to protect the rights and freedoms of the many millions of user across Germany who give their permission to the new use and privacy policy," he said.

"That includes not only the private sphere but also the possibility of using profiles to influence voter choices and manipulate democratic decisions."&nbsp;

Caspar noted that with nearly 60 million users in Germany,&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;was "by far" the country's most popular social media app.

A&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;spokesman said the update would not allow additional passing of user information from the service to Facebook's other applications.

"Your acceptance of the new Terms of Service does not expand&nbsp;WhatsApp's ability to share user data with its parent company Facebook," he said.

WhatsApp&nbsp;said the German order "is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose and effect of&nbsp;WhatsApp's update and therefore has no legitimate basis".

The update actually "provides further transparency about how we collect and use data", said the spokesman.

As the Hamburg authority's "claims are wrong, the order will not impact the continued roll-out of the update", he added.

The regulatory action has opened a new front in&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;over Facebook's privacy policies, with its national antitrust regulator waging a legal battle over data practices it says amount to an abuse of market dominance.

Since 2018, online privacy has been subject to a European Union rulebook, called the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Under the GDPR, Ireland leads oversight of Facebook because the company's European headquarters is there.

Facebook-owned messaging colossus WhatsApp retreated again from its plan to force users to accept new terms which critics said could expand data collection from its two billion users around the world.

Facebook-owned messaging colossus WhatsApp retreated again from its plan to force users to accept new terms which critics said could expand data collection from its two billion users around the world. It comes after a German regulator on Tuesday slapped a three-month ban on Facebook collecting user data from WhatsApp accounts and referred the case to an EU watchdog, citing concerns about election integrity. WhatsApp, which was set to enforce its new data-sharing policy on May 15, following a delay in response to a user outcry -- revealed on its website that it would not immediately cut off users who don't accept the new terms, although it would send reminders to those who don't opt-in. The update will allow additional sharing of information from WhatsApp with Facebook and its other applications such as Instagram and Messenger, such as contacts and profile data, but not the content of messages which remain encrypted. The platform had claimed the update was chiefly aimed at merchants who use WhatsApp to chat with customers -- allowing them to share data with Facebook. But critics feared it could open the door to broader data sharing with Facebook with potential implications for user privacy. The Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information sent the order to the social network, which owns the popular messaging service. Hamburg has jurisdiction because Facebook's German branch is based in the city. The tech giant informed WhatsApp users earlier this year that they had to consent to a new data-use policy to continue using the service. The German authority said in an emergency decision that the terms of that agreement were now null and void in Europe's top economy for three months. It will hand the case over to the European Data Protection Board, an independent EU body that enforces rules throughout the 27-nation bloc. The head of the German regulator, Johannes Caspar, said past Facebook data protection breaches as well as Germany's general election in September showed the "dangers" of "mass building of user profiles" that could be exploited. "This ruling is intended to protect the rights and freedoms of the many millions of user across Germany who give their permission to the new use and privacy policy," he said. "That includes not only the private sphere but also the possibility of using profiles to influence voter choices and manipulate democratic decisions." Caspar noted that with nearly 60 million users in Germany, WhatsApp was "by far" the country's most popular social media app. A WhatsApp spokesman said the update would not allow additional passing of user information from the service to Facebook's other applications. "Your acceptance of the new Terms of Service does not expand WhatsApp's ability to share user data with its parent company Facebook," he said. WhatsApp said the German order "is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose and effect of WhatsApp's update and therefore has no legitimate basis". The update actually "provides further transparency about how we collect and use data", said the spokesman. As the Hamburg authority's "claims are wrong, the order will not impact the continued roll-out of the update", he added. The regulatory action has opened a new front in Germany over Facebook's privacy policies, with its national antitrust regulator waging a legal battle over data practices it says amount to an abuse of market dominance. Since 2018, online privacy has been subject to a European Union rulebook, called the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Under the GDPR, Ireland leads oversight of Facebook because the company's European headquarters is there.

WhatsApp delays enforcing new privacy terms after Germany halts data sharing

German regulators have ordered Facebook to pause harvesting user data from WhatsApp. The company's ultimatum to accept the new terms or leave WhatsApp has triggered a sharp response from India, Europe and Brazil. Palki Sharma tells you why the new policy is controversial and what the world is doing to combat it.

Gravitas: World pushes back against new WhatsApp privacy policy

A German regulator on Tuesday slapped a three-month ban on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/facebook">Facebook</a> collecting user data from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/whatsapp">WhatsApp</a> accounts and referred the case to an EU watchdog, citing concerns about election integrity.

The Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information sent the order to the social network, which owns the popular messaging service. Hamburg has jurisdiction because Facebook's German branch is based in the city.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-rolls-out-stickers-to-spread-covid-19-vaccine-awareness-check-out-details-376095" hreflang="en">WhatsApp rolls out stickers to spread COVID-19 vaccine awareness: Check out details</a>

The tech giant informed WhatsApp users earlier this year that they had to consent to a new data-use policy to continue using the service.

The German authority said in an emergency decision that the terms of that agreement were now null and void in Europe's top economy for three months.

It will hand the case over to the European Data Protection Board, an independent EU body that enforces rules throughout the 27-nation bloc. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/social-media-platforms-should-not-amplify-untrustworthy-content-biden-383169" hreflang="en">Social media platforms should not amplify 'untrustworthy' content: Biden</a>

The head of the German regulator, Johannes Caspar, said past Facebook data protection breaches as well as Germany's general election in September showed the "dangers" of "mass building of user profiles" that could be exploited.

"This ruling is intended to protect the rights and freedoms of the many millions of user across Germany who give their permission to the new use and privacy policy," he said.

"That includes not only the private sphere but also the possibility of using profiles to influence voter choices and manipulate democratic decisions."&nbsp;

A 'fundamental misunderstanding'

Caspar noted that with nearly 60 million users in Germany, WhatsApp was "by far" the country's most popular social media app.

WhatsApp on Friday stepped back from its plan to require users to accept the new terms, which critics said could expand data collection from its two billion users around the world.

The service had been set to enforce its new data-sharing policy on May 15, following a delay in response to a user outcry. Instead, it said on its website that it would not immediately cut off users who don't accept the new terms, although it would send reminders to those who don't opt in.

A WhatsApp spokesman said the update would not allow additional passing of user information from the service to Facebook's other applications.

"Your acceptance of the new Terms of Service does not expand WhatsApp's ability to share user data with its parent company Facebook," he said.

WhatsApp said the German order "is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose and effect of WhatsApp's update and therefore has no legitimate basis".

The update actually "provides further transparency about how we collect and use data", said the spokesman.

As the Hamburg authority's "claims are wrong, the order will not impact the continued roll-out of the update", he added.

A German regulator on Tuesday slapped a three-month ban on Facebook collecting user data from WhatsApp accounts and referred the case to an EU watchdog, citing concerns about election integrity.

A German regulator on Tuesday slapped a three-month ban on Facebook collecting user data from WhatsApp accounts and referred the case to an EU watchdog, citing concerns about election integrity. The Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information sent the order to the social network, which owns the popular messaging service. Hamburg has jurisdiction because Facebook's German branch is based in the city. Also read | WhatsApp rolls out stickers to spread COVID-19 vaccine awareness: Check out details The tech giant informed WhatsApp users earlier this year that they had to consent to a new data-use policy to continue using the service. The German authority said in an emergency decision that the terms of that agreement were now null and void in Europe's top economy for three months. It will hand the case over to the European Data Protection Board, an independent EU body that enforces rules throughout the 27-nation bloc. Also read | Social media platforms should not amplify 'untrustworthy' content: Biden The head of the German regulator, Johannes Caspar, said past Facebook data protection breaches as well as Germany's general election in September showed the "dangers" of "mass building of user profiles" that could be exploited. "This ruling is intended to protect the rights and freedoms of the many millions of user across Germany who give their permission to the new use and privacy policy," he said. "That includes not only the private sphere but also the possibility of using profiles to influence voter choices and manipulate democratic decisions." A 'fundamental misunderstanding' Caspar noted that with nearly 60 million users in Germany, WhatsApp was "by far" the country's most popular social media app. WhatsApp on Friday stepped back from its plan to require users to accept the new terms, which critics said could expand data collection from its two billion users around the world. The service had been set to enforce its new data-sharing policy on May 15, following a delay in response to a user outcry. Instead, it said on its website that it would not immediately cut off users who don't accept the new terms, although it would send reminders to those who don't opt in. A WhatsApp spokesman said the update would not allow additional passing of user information from the service to Facebook's other applications. "Your acceptance of the new Terms of Service does not expand WhatsApp's ability to share user data with its parent company Facebook," he said. WhatsApp said the German order "is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose and effect of WhatsApp's update and therefore has no legitimate basis". The update actually "provides further transparency about how we collect and use data", said the spokesman. As the Hamburg authority's "claims are wrong, the order will not impact the continued roll-out of the update", he added.

Germany halts Facebook sharing WhatsApp data

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice in the petitions of WhatsApp and Facebook challenging the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order for an investigation into the messaging app's new privacy policy.

The Division Bench of Justice DN Patel and Justice Jasmeet Singh sought the response of all respondents and slated the matter for May 21.

The Single Bench Justice Navin Chawla on April 22 had dismissed Facebook and WhatsApp pleas challenging a Competition Commission of India (CCI) order for an investigation into the messaging app's new privacy policy.

The petitioners have challenged the March 24 order passed by CCI directing a probe into the new privacy policy and the probe should be completed within 60 days.

Facebook and WhatsApp, said that since the issue of WhatsApp's privacy policy is being heard by the Supreme Court and High Court, therefore there was no requirement of CCI to order the probe.

Senior Advocate Harish Salve and Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the petitioners and told the court that CCI proceedings must be kept in abeyance as the matter is pending before Supreme Court, High Court, etc.

Additional Solicitor General Aman Lekhi, who represented CCI in the matter, had earlier told the court that the matter is not of privacy but access to data and the Competition is going to deal with metadata.

ASG Lekhi responded that data can have a privacy or competition dimension. He also said that the issue is completely competition-based as understanding consumer behaviour and preferences facilitate targeted advertising.&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice in the petitions of WhatsApp and Facebook challenging the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order for an investigation into the messaging app's new privacy policy.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice in the petitions of WhatsApp and Facebook challenging the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order for an investigation into the messaging app's new privacy policy. The Division Bench of Justice DN Patel and Justice Jasmeet Singh sought the response of all respondents and slated the matter for May 21. The Single Bench Justice Navin Chawla on April 22 had dismissed Facebook and WhatsApp pleas challenging a Competition Commission of India (CCI) order for an investigation into the messaging app's new privacy policy. The petitioners have challenged the March 24 order passed by CCI directing a probe into the new privacy policy and the probe should be completed within 60 days. Facebook and WhatsApp, said that since the issue of WhatsApp's privacy policy is being heard by the Supreme Court and High Court, therefore there was no requirement of CCI to order the probe. Senior Advocate Harish Salve and Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the petitioners and told the court that CCI proceedings must be kept in abeyance as the matter is pending before Supreme Court, High Court, etc. Additional Solicitor General Aman Lekhi, who represented CCI in the matter, had earlier told the court that the matter is not of privacy but access to data and the Competition is going to deal with metadata. ASG Lekhi responded that data can have a privacy or competition dimension. He also said that the issue is completely competition-based as understanding consumer behaviour and preferences facilitate targeted advertising.

Delhi HC issues notice on Facebook, WhatsApp pleas challenging order on new privacy policy

Germany's lead data protection regulator for Facebook said on Tuesday that it was taking action against the social network to prevent the collection of personal data from users of its WhatsApp messaging app.

The regulator in the city-state of Hamburg said that it had opened emergency proceedings against Facebook after WhatsApp earlier this year informed users that they would need to consent to new data terms or stop using the service.

"We have reason to believe that the data sharing policy between WhatsApp and Facebook is being impermissibly enforced due to the lack of voluntary and informed consent," said Hamburg's data protection officer Johannes Caspar.

Caspar, who leads domestic oversight of Facebook under Germany's federal system as its country office is in Hamburg, said he was opening a formal administrative procedure "to prevent an illegal mass exchange of data", with a view to reaching a decision before May 15.

A WhatsApp spokesperson said: “Our recent update includes new options&nbsp;people will have to message a business on WhatsApp, and provides further transparency about how we collect and use data.

"To be clear, by accepting WhatsApp’s updated terms of service, users are not agreeing to any expansion in our ability to share data with Facebook, and the update does not impact the privacy of their messages with friends or family."

The regulatory action opens a new front in Germany over Facebook's privacy policies, with the national antitrust regulator already waging a legal battle over data practices it alleges reflect an abuse of the social network's market dominance.

Since 2018, online privacy has been subject to a European Union rulebook, called the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Under the GDPR, Ireland leads oversight of Facebook because the company's European headquarters is there.

Caspar said that he was seeking to impose a three-month freeze on WhatsApp's collection of user data, citing "extraordinary circumstances" foreseen in the GDPR. The measures can be extended by the European Data Protection Board, a forum that groups regulators from the bloc's 27 member states.

Germany's lead data protection regulator for Facebook said on Tuesday that it was taking action against the social network to prevent the collection of personal data from users of its WhatsApp messaging app.

Germany's lead data protection regulator for Facebook said on Tuesday that it was taking action against the social network to prevent the collection of personal data from users of its WhatsApp messaging app. The regulator in the city-state of Hamburg said that it had opened emergency proceedings against Facebook after WhatsApp earlier this year informed users that they would need to consent to new data terms or stop using the service. "We have reason to believe that the data sharing policy between WhatsApp and Facebook is being impermissibly enforced due to the lack of voluntary and informed consent," said Hamburg's data protection officer Johannes Caspar. Caspar, who leads domestic oversight of Facebook under Germany's federal system as its country office is in Hamburg, said he was opening a formal administrative procedure "to prevent an illegal mass exchange of data", with a view to reaching a decision before May 15. A WhatsApp spokesperson said: “Our recent update includes new options people will have to message a business on WhatsApp, and provides further transparency about how we collect and use data. "To be clear, by accepting WhatsApp’s updated terms of service, users are not agreeing to any expansion in our ability to share data with Facebook, and the update does not impact the privacy of their messages with friends or family." The regulatory action opens a new front in Germany over Facebook's privacy policies, with the national antitrust regulator already waging a legal battle over data practices it alleges reflect an abuse of the social network's market dominance. Since 2018, online privacy has been subject to a European Union rulebook, called the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Under the GDPR, Ireland leads oversight of Facebook because the company's European headquarters is there. Caspar said that he was seeking to impose a three-month freeze on WhatsApp's collection of user data, citing "extraordinary circumstances" foreseen in the GDPR. The measures can be extended by the European Data Protection Board, a forum that groups regulators from the bloc's 27 member states.

German regulator taking action against WhatsApp  over 'illegal' data collection

Facebook and Instagram went down for millions of users for a couple of hours in various parts of the world early Friday morning. The outage was the second one in less than a month for the social networking giant.

People took to the online outage detector platform DownDetector as they were welcomed with a "sorry something went wrong" error message from Facebook and Instagram.

The outage appeared to affect Facebook's internal websites as well, noted in a tweet from famed developer Jane Wong.

Even Facebook`s outage dashboard appeared to be having problems.

After a couple of hours, Both Facebook and Instagram were back to normal.

On March 19, Facebook and its family of apps like WhatsApp and Instagram recovered from a major global outage caused by a technical issue.

More than 1 lakh users reported issues with Instagram on online outage tracker DownDetector, and over 25,000 users reported issues with WhatsApp.

Facebook messenger users also experienced issues.

"Earlier today, a technical issue caused people to have trouble accessing some Facebook services. We resolved this issue for everyone, and we apologise for any inconvenience," Facebook had said in a statement.

Instagram tweeted: "Some people were having issues with their Instagram accounts earlier, but we`re back now. The issue`s been fixed and we`re sorry for the trouble".

In July last year, millions of users worldwide, including in India, were left clueless when Facebook and its family of apps including WhatsApp and photo-sharing platform Instagram suffered a global outage.

Facebook and Instagram went down for millions of users for a couple of hours in various parts of the world early Friday morning. The outage was the second one in less than a month for the social networking giant.

Facebook and Instagram went down for millions of users for a couple of hours in various parts of the world early Friday morning. The outage was the second one in less than a month for the social networking giant. People took to the online outage detector platform DownDetector as they were welcomed with a "sorry something went wrong" error message from Facebook and Instagram. The outage appeared to affect Facebook's internal websites as well, noted in a tweet from famed developer Jane Wong. Even Facebook`s outage dashboard appeared to be having problems. After a couple of hours, Both Facebook and Instagram were back to normal. On March 19, Facebook and its family of apps like WhatsApp and Instagram recovered from a major global outage caused by a technical issue. More than 1 lakh users reported issues with Instagram on online outage tracker DownDetector, and over 25,000 users reported issues with WhatsApp. Facebook messenger users also experienced issues. "Earlier today, a technical issue caused people to have trouble accessing some Facebook services. We resolved this issue for everyone, and we apologise for any inconvenience," Facebook had said in a statement. Instagram tweeted: "Some people were having issues with their Instagram accounts earlier, but we`re back now. The issue`s been fixed and we`re sorry for the trouble". In July last year, millions of users worldwide, including in India, were left clueless when Facebook and its family of apps including WhatsApp and photo-sharing platform Instagram suffered a global outage.

Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp face another global outage in less than a month

WhatsApp has rolled out a new sticker pack named 'Vaccines for All'&nbsp;as part&nbsp;of the organisation's endeavours towards spreading mindfulness about the COVID-19 vaccine.

These stickers are a mode of allowing users to show their appreciation for healthcare workers around the world. The new sticker pack was created in a joint effort with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

To offer verified information on COVID-19, WhatsApp has also joined forces with more than 150 national, state and local governments, as well as organisations including the WHO and UNICEF.

The COVID-19 helplines created on WhatsApp have also started offering vaccine information and registration. The new `Vaccine for All` sticker pack carries 23 particular stickers to WhatsApp, planned in partnership with the WHO.

The stickers are accessible for download to both Android and iOS users and are pointed toward letting people "express the joy, relief, and hope they feel about the possibilities the COVID-19 vaccines offer".

As COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out across the world, the new sticker pack aims to encourage vaccine uptake and represents hope," said Andy Pattison, Team Lead for Digital Channels at WHO was quoted as saying in a statement.

Alongside the stickers, WhatsApp has also added COVID-19 helplines from different governments and organisations like the WHO, UNICEF, and more since the beginning of the pandemic.

WhatsApp also said that the administrations in nations including India, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa have begun utilising these helplines to connect citizens to accurate COVID-19 vaccine information and registration.

In India, WhatsApp has cooperated with MyGov to give data related to COVID-19 through a chatbot. The chatbot, called MyGov Corona Helpdesk includes details on COVID-19 vaccines and has surpassed the mark of 30 million users.

WhatsApp has rolled out a new sticker pack named 'Vaccines for All' as part of the organisation's endeavours towards spreading mindfulness about the COVID-19 vaccine.

WhatsApp has rolled out a new sticker pack named 'Vaccines for All' as part of the organisation's endeavours towards spreading mindfulness about the COVID-19 vaccine. These stickers are a mode of allowing users to show their appreciation for healthcare workers around the world. The new sticker pack was created in a joint effort with the World Health Organisation (WHO). To offer verified information on COVID-19, WhatsApp has also joined forces with more than 150 national, state and local governments, as well as organisations including the WHO and UNICEF. The COVID-19 helplines created on WhatsApp have also started offering vaccine information and registration. The new `Vaccine for All` sticker pack carries 23 particular stickers to WhatsApp, planned in partnership with the WHO. The stickers are accessible for download to both Android and iOS users and are pointed toward letting people "express the joy, relief, and hope they feel about the possibilities the COVID-19 vaccines offer". As COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out across the world, the new sticker pack aims to encourage vaccine uptake and represents hope," said Andy Pattison, Team Lead for Digital Channels at WHO was quoted as saying in a statement. Alongside the stickers, WhatsApp has also added COVID-19 helplines from different governments and organisations like the WHO, UNICEF, and more since the beginning of the pandemic. WhatsApp also said that the administrations in nations including India, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa have begun utilising these helplines to connect citizens to accurate COVID-19 vaccine information and registration. In India, WhatsApp has cooperated with MyGov to give data related to COVID-19 through a chatbot. The chatbot, called MyGov Corona Helpdesk includes details on COVID-19 vaccines and has surpassed the mark of 30 million users.

WhatsApp rolls out stickers to spread COVID-19 vaccine awareness: Check out details

Facebook&nbsp;Inc has fixed a technical issue that caused a global outage of its services after more than a million people reported problems with its photo-sharing app Instagram.

The issue had also affected the company's online messaging services Whatsapp and Messenger, with #whatsappoutage trending on Twitter in many countries, including India.

A&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;spokesperson said the company had resolved the issue, which prevented access to its services.

Over one million people had reported problems with Instagram, while nearly 20,000 users posted about issues with WhatsApp, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com.

Downdetector tracks outages by collating status reports from a series of sources, including user-submitted errors on its platform. The outages might be affecting a larger number of users.

Take a look at some reactions below:

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Whole India right now <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whatsappoutage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whatsappoutage</a> <a href="https://t.co/IQgBwneNXm">pic.twitter.com/IQgBwneNXm</a>
— SH (@sumukh_herlekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sumukh_herlekar/status/1372970120121774080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Before yesterday's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsappOutage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsappOutage</a>, I had a notification (since many days) for accepting the new privacy policy of WhatsApp. I had not tapped on it to accept it. 
 
After the outage, I can not see the notification. Is anyone else also experiencing anything similar.
— Nikhil Pingle (@nikhilpingle) <a href="https://twitter.com/nikhilpingle/status/1373122157413273605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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I am enjoying the disconnect. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whatsappoutage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whatsappoutage</a>
— Srishti Mahajan (@mahajan_srishti) <a href="https://twitter.com/mahajan_srishti/status/1372968960983846912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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And I thought there was some prob with my data and wifi. 
WhatsApp msgs weren't delivering. 
Checked insta and it wasn't loading. 
Restarted my phone too. 
Twitter to the rescue finally ! 😅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whatsapp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whatsapp</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whatsappoutage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whatsappoutage</a>
— Abhijeet ಅಭಿಜೀತ್ (@panneerpepper) <a href="https://twitter.com/panneerpepper/status/1372969229947789312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Instagram &amp; WhatsApp are down. Is everybody feeling like their life has come to a standstill or is it just me? 😂 
What about the students who had their tests on whatsapp groups? RIP 😆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsAppDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsAppDown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InstagramDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InstagramDown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Instagram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Instagram</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Whatsapp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Whatsapp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Outage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Outage</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InstagramOutage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InstagramOutage</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsappOutage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsappOutage</a>
— Shreya Narang (@narangshreyaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/narangshreyaa/status/1372967311930355715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Facebook Inc has fixed a technical issue that caused a global outage of its services after more than a million people reported problems with its photo-sharing app Instagram.

Facebook Inc has fixed a technical issue that caused a global outage of its services after more than a million people reported problems with its photo-sharing app Instagram. The issue had also affected the company's online messaging services Whatsapp and Messenger, with #whatsappoutage trending on Twitter in many countries, including India. A Facebook spokesperson said the company had resolved the issue, which prevented access to its services. Over one million people had reported problems with Instagram, while nearly 20,000 users posted about issues with WhatsApp, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com. Downdetector tracks outages by collating status reports from a series of sources, including user-submitted errors on its platform. The outages might be affecting a larger number of users. Take a look at some reactions below: Whole India right now #whatsappoutage pic.twitter.com/IQgBwneNXm — SH (@sumukh_herlekar) March 19, 2021 × Before yesterday's #WhatsappOutage, I had a notification (since many days) for accepting the new privacy policy of WhatsApp. I had not tapped on it to accept it. After the outage, I can not see the notification. Is anyone else also experiencing anything similar. — Nikhil Pingle (@nikhilpingle) March 20, 2021 × I am enjoying the disconnect. #whatsappoutage — Srishti Mahajan (@mahajan_srishti) March 19, 2021 × And I thought there was some prob with my data and wifi. WhatsApp msgs weren't delivering. Checked insta and it wasn't loading. Restarted my phone too. Twitter to the rescue finally ! 😅#whatsapp#whatsappoutage — Abhijeet ಅಭಿಜೀತ್ (@panneerpepper) March 19, 2021 × Instagram & WhatsApp are down. Is everybody feeling like their life has come to a standstill or is it just me? 😂 What about the students who had their tests on whatsapp groups? RIP 😆#WhatsAppDown #InstagramDown #Instagram #Whatsapp #Outage #InstagramOutage #WhatsappOutage — Shreya Narang (@narangshreyaa) March 19, 2021 ×

Global outage of Facebook services including WhatsApp causes mayhem on Twitter

The encrypted messaging app Signal, recommended by Tesla's Elon Musk, appeared to have been blocked in China on Tuesday, closing off one of the last US social media platforms still freely available in the country.

Users of the free app, which has surged in popularity globally after rising privacy concerns, were unable to access it without a virtual private network (VPN).

China has deployed a vast and sophisticated system to scrub the internet of dissent and prevent citizens from accessing international social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, in what is known as the "Great Firewall".

Also read|&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/party-over-chinese-users-of-clubhouse-app-say-experiencing-internet-access-disruptions-362362">'Party over': Chinese users of Clubhouse app say experiencing internet access disruptions</a>

Signal's website has been banned since at least March 15, according to the GreatFire.org website which tracks online censorship in China, although the app remains available on China's App Store.

The app was already unavailable on third-party Android stores in China, where Google services are largely blocked.

On several occasions, the app had previously stopped working in China without VPN with no reason given, only for usage to resume.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-asks-people-to-use-signal-app-instead-of-whatsapp-and-facebook-over-privacy-issues-355704">Elon Musk asks people to use Signal app instead of WhatsApp and Facebook over privacy issues</a>

Signal&nbsp;saw a surge in downloads worldwide after January 6 when WhatsApp updated its privacy terms, reserving the right to share user data, including location and phone number, with its parent Facebook Inc and units such as Instagram and Messenger.

Signal&nbsp;had been downloaded close to 510,000 times on iOS in China, and has been downloaded 100 million times worldwide on the App Store and Google Play combined, according to data company Sensor Tower.

The WhatsApp policy update, later delayed,&nbsp;concerned how merchants using WhatsApp to chat with customers can share data with Facebook, which could use the information for targeted ads, according to the social network.

Signal has stopped working without a VPN occasionally before, although service resumed afterwards.

Co-founder of GreatFire.org Martin Johnson said&nbsp;that its data showed that the app was briefly unavailable in the App Store in&nbsp;2019.

Last month China closed down the Clubhouse app in China, an audio platform which boomed briefly in the country for uncensored discussion of taboo topics.

Tencent's all-in-one mobile app WeChat is China's dominant messaging app, with its payment functions and other services, boasts more than a billion users globally.

The encrypted messaging app Signal, recommended by Tesla's Elon Musk, appeared to have been blocked in China on Tuesday, closing off one of the last US social media platforms still freely available in the country.

The encrypted messaging app Signal, recommended by Tesla's Elon Musk, appeared to have been blocked in China on Tuesday, closing off one of the last US social media platforms still freely available in the country. Users of the free app, which has surged in popularity globally after rising privacy concerns, were unable to access it without a virtual private network (VPN). China has deployed a vast and sophisticated system to scrub the internet of dissent and prevent citizens from accessing international social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, in what is known as the "Great Firewall". Also read| 'Party over': Chinese users of Clubhouse app say experiencing internet access disruptions Signal's website has been banned since at least March 15, according to the GreatFire.org website which tracks online censorship in China, although the app remains available on China's App Store. The app was already unavailable on third-party Android stores in China, where Google services are largely blocked. On several occasions, the app had previously stopped working in China without VPN with no reason given, only for usage to resume. Also read: Elon Musk asks people to use Signal app instead of WhatsApp and Facebook over privacy issues Signal saw a surge in downloads worldwide after January 6 when WhatsApp updated its privacy terms, reserving the right to share user data, including location and phone number, with its parent Facebook Inc and units such as Instagram and Messenger. Signal had been downloaded close to 510,000 times on iOS in China, and has been downloaded 100 million times worldwide on the App Store and Google Play combined, according to data company Sensor Tower. The WhatsApp policy update, later delayed, concerned how merchants using WhatsApp to chat with customers can share data with Facebook, which could use the information for targeted ads, according to the social network. Signal has stopped working without a VPN occasionally before, although service resumed afterwards. Co-founder of GreatFire.org Martin Johnson said that its data showed that the app was briefly unavailable in the App Store in 2019. Last month China closed down the Clubhouse app in China, an audio platform which boomed briefly in the country for uncensored discussion of taboo topics. Tencent's all-in-one mobile app WeChat is China's dominant messaging app, with its payment functions and other services, boasts more than a billion users globally.

Encrypted messaging app Signal no longer working in China

The evergreen rivalry between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/apple">Apple</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/facebook">Facebook</a>&nbsp;is back in the headlines with&nbsp;another allegation made by WhatsApp CEO against Apple Inc.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/whatsapp">WhatsApp</a>, owned by Facebook, CEO has alleged that Apple has been manipulating users and the company does not want anyone to use Android.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/this-iphone-trick-lets-people-snoop-on-others-private-conversations-367406" hreflang="en">This iPhone trick lets people snoop on others' private conversations</a>

"I assume it’s in Apple’s interest to have everyone using an iPhone, I mean, obviously, it is," WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart started his explanation.&nbsp;

Citing Apple's messaging service, Cathcart said the iMessage experience is better if everyone else has an iPhone, and therefore, Apple has been manipulating the users.

"And you look at a place like the US, most people have an iPhone, and the messaging experience works better on iMessage if everyone else has an iPhone."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tiktok-lookalike-facebook-launches-new-app-bars-for-rappers-366736" hreflang="en">TikTok lookalike? Facebook launches new app, BARS, for rappers</a>

Leading his point he explained that he feels WhatsApp has been purposely downplayed by Apple. "It's certainly in their strategic interest that people not use something like WhatsApp because they want people to not use an Android phone," he explained.

"If people switch to something like WhatsApp or another service it’s easier for their friends to go back and forth between an iPhone or an Android," he said.

Talking about the privacy labels of Apple, Cathcart said he believes WhatsApp directly competes with iMessage — which, he believes, is more popular in the US.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whatsapp-announces-updated-policy-reiterates-committed-to-privacy-364903" hreflang="en">WhatsApp announces updated policy, reiterates 'committed to privacy'</a>

"You don’t see a label for iMessage when you download it because you don’t download it, it’s on your phone to begin with. And so, we were critical of that," he said.

Dishing out on Apple, he also revealed that he uses an Android phone, even though he has used an iPhone in the past.&nbsp;

"Well, I use an Android because if you look at WhatsApp’s user base, we are very Android heavy. I also use an iPad, I’ve used iPhones for many years, but I really want to actually use the product in the way most people are using it, so I use an Android. A lot of people use both or go back and forth because we’re building our products for both and you got to understand them all," he justified.

The evergreen rivalry between Apple and Facebook is back in the headlines with another allegation made by WhatsApp CEO against Apple Inc. WhatsApp, owned by Facebook, CEO has alleged that Apple has been manipulating users and the company does not want anyone to use Android.

The evergreen rivalry between Apple and Facebook is back in the headlines with another allegation made by WhatsApp CEO against Apple Inc. WhatsApp, owned by Facebook, CEO has alleged that Apple has been manipulating users and the company does not want anyone to use Android. Also read | This iPhone trick lets people snoop on others' private conversations "I assume it’s in Apple’s interest to have everyone using an iPhone, I mean, obviously, it is," WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart started his explanation. Citing Apple's messaging service, Cathcart said the iMessage experience is better if everyone else has an iPhone, and therefore, Apple has been manipulating the users. "And you look at a place like the US, most people have an iPhone, and the messaging experience works better on iMessage if everyone else has an iPhone." Also read | TikTok lookalike? Facebook launches new app, BARS, for rappers Leading his point he explained that he feels WhatsApp has been purposely downplayed by Apple. "It's certainly in their strategic interest that people not use something like WhatsApp because they want people to not use an Android phone," he explained. "If people switch to something like WhatsApp or another service it’s easier for their friends to go back and forth between an iPhone or an Android," he said. Talking about the privacy labels of Apple, Cathcart said he believes WhatsApp directly competes with iMessage — which, he believes, is more popular in the US. Also read | WhatsApp announces updated policy, reiterates 'committed to privacy' "You don’t see a label for iMessage when you download it because you don’t download it, it’s on your phone to begin with. And so, we were critical of that," he said. Dishing out on Apple, he also revealed that he uses an Android phone, even though he has used an iPhone in the past. "Well, I use an Android because if you look at WhatsApp’s user base, we are very Android heavy. I also use an iPad, I’ve used iPhones for many years, but I really want to actually use the product in the way most people are using it, so I use an Android. A lot of people use both or go back and forth because we’re building our products for both and you got to understand them all," he justified.

Apple doesn't want people to use Android, WhatsApp CEO alleges

Facebook Inc's WhatsApp has introduced a voice and video calling feature on its desktop version, the company said on Thursday.

The company said users would now be able to use desktop screens for calls in both portrait and landscape mode, and the calls will be end-to-end encrypted.

The move to facilitate calls over large screens would put WhatsApp on par with video-conferencing bigwigs Zoom and Google Meet, but it is not clear if it has ambitions to compete with the two in the enterprise space.

The Facebook-owned company said voice and video calls on the platform are end-to-end encrypted, and so WhatsApp can't hear or see them whether the call is made from phones or computers.

"We're starting with one-to-one calls on the WhatsApp desktop app so we make sure we can give you a reliable and high-quality experience. We will be expanding this feature to include group voice and video calls in the future," it added.

WhatsApp said there has been a significant increase in people calling one another on WhatsApp over the last year and often for long conversations, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic induced lockdown.

"Last New Year's Eve, we broke the record for the most calls ever made in a single day with 1.4 billion voice and video calls. With so many people still apart from their loved ones, and adjusting to new ways of working, we want conversations on WhatsApp to feel as close to in-person as possible, regardless of where you are in the world or the tech you're using," WhatsApp said.

It noted that to make desktop calling more useful, the company has made sure it works seamlessly for both portrait and landscape orientation appears in a resizable standalone window on computer screens and is set to be always on top so users never lose video chats in a browser tab or stack of open windows.

Users would need an active internet connection on their computer and phone. The call won't go through the phone, but it needs to be online to establish the call. Additionally, users would need to grant WhatsApp permission to access the computer's microphone and camera for the video calls.

Facebook Inc's WhatsApp has introduced a voice and video calling feature on its desktop version, the company said on Thursday. The company said users would now be able to use desktop screens for calls in both portrait and landscape mode, and the calls will be end-to-end encrypted.

Facebook Inc's WhatsApp has introduced a voice and video calling feature on its desktop version, the company said on Thursday. The company said users would now be able to use desktop screens for calls in both portrait and landscape mode, and the calls will be end-to-end encrypted. The move to facilitate calls over large screens would put WhatsApp on par with video-conferencing bigwigs Zoom and Google Meet, but it is not clear if it has ambitions to compete with the two in the enterprise space. The Facebook-owned company said voice and video calls on the platform are end-to-end encrypted, and so WhatsApp can't hear or see them whether the call is made from phones or computers. "We're starting with one-to-one calls on the WhatsApp desktop app so we make sure we can give you a reliable and high-quality experience. We will be expanding this feature to include group voice and video calls in the future," it added. WhatsApp said there has been a significant increase in people calling one another on WhatsApp over the last year and often for long conversations, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic induced lockdown. "Last New Year's Eve, we broke the record for the most calls ever made in a single day with 1.4 billion voice and video calls. With so many people still apart from their loved ones, and adjusting to new ways of working, we want conversations on WhatsApp to feel as close to in-person as possible, regardless of where you are in the world or the tech you're using," WhatsApp said. It noted that to make desktop calling more useful, the company has made sure it works seamlessly for both portrait and landscape orientation appears in a resizable standalone window on computer screens and is set to be always on top so users never lose video chats in a browser tab or stack of open windows. Users would need an active internet connection on their computer and phone. The call won't go through the phone, but it needs to be online to establish the call. Additionally, users would need to grant WhatsApp permission to access the computer's microphone and camera for the video calls.

WhatsApp expands voice and video calling feature to desktop app

WhatsApp once again has landed in trouble for privacy concerns. Regulators have now eyed the contact sharing policy of WhatsApp and told the firm that this will not be allowed and is against the laws.

South Africa: Contact info can't be shared

Big tech is taking over the world by establishing monopolies. Apple CEO Tim Cook said on Wednesday that it acquires a new company every month.

The acquisition strategy is aimed at offering better services but tech companies are killing competition one sale at a time.

Many lawmakers in recent years have called for laws and regulations to rein in dominant&nbsp;tech&nbsp;companies such as Facebook Inc, Twitter Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google, Amazon.com Inc and Apple Inc.

Turi inc. was once a promising artificial intelligence startup in Seattle. The company helped create software that uses machine learning. Its technology was so promising that Apple bought the company and paid&nbsp;a record $200 million for it.

While buying companies is not new for tech giants, the speed at which they are lapping up competitors is alarming.

Apple CEO&nbsp;Tim Cook revealed that they have acquired over 100 companies in nearly six&nbsp;years. This means buying one company every three&nbsp;to four&nbsp;weeks.

This includes the $3 billion takeover of headphone maker Beats and music recognition app Shazam.

Apple isn't the only company that does hostile takeovers. Facebook bought Instagram and WhatsApp when it threatened its popularity within a span of two years.

Big tech giants are on an acquisition spree. Many acquisitions never even make it to the headlines...

The idea is simple: Eliminate potential rivals, kill innovation and poach talent from smaller companies.

At the centre of this&nbsp;is a big tech monopoly. The last two&nbsp;decades have witnessed the rise of five&nbsp;major global tech giants. These include Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft.

Today, these tech giants wield too much power. Each of them monopolistic in their own domain. They exercise enormous power over our digital lives, controlling the way we navigate through the web.

Some are even trying to manipulate the way democracies run while others have taken the privacy of users for granted. The way to restore the power balance is to break up big tech.

Current US antitrust laws allow federal regulators to break up mergers, a&nbsp;move that could promote healthy competition in the market.

For global regulators, breaking up monopolies needs a new legal toolbox. Either way,&nbsp;the idea is to level the playing field and protect the future of the internet.

Big tech is taking over the world by establishing monopolies. Apple CEO Tim Cook said on Wednesday that it acquires a new company every month. The acquisition strategy is aimed at offering better services but tech companies are killing competition one sale at a time.

Big tech is taking over the world by establishing monopolies. Apple CEO Tim Cook said on Wednesday that it acquires a new company every month. The acquisition strategy is aimed at offering better services but tech companies are killing competition one sale at a time. Many lawmakers in recent years have called for laws and regulations to rein in dominant tech companies such as Facebook Inc, Twitter Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google, Amazon.com Inc and Apple Inc. Turi inc. was once a promising artificial intelligence startup in Seattle. The company helped create software that uses machine learning. Its technology was so promising that Apple bought the company and paid a record $200 million for it. While buying companies is not new for tech giants, the speed at which they are lapping up competitors is alarming. Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that they have acquired over 100 companies in nearly six years. This means buying one company every three to four weeks. This includes the $3 billion takeover of headphone maker Beats and music recognition app Shazam. Apple isn't the only company that does hostile takeovers. Facebook bought Instagram and WhatsApp when it threatened its popularity within a span of two years. Big tech giants are on an acquisition spree. Many acquisitions never even make it to the headlines... The idea is simple: Eliminate potential rivals, kill innovation and poach talent from smaller companies. At the centre of this is a big tech monopoly. The last two decades have witnessed the rise of five major global tech giants. These include Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft. Today, these tech giants wield too much power. Each of them monopolistic in their own domain. They exercise enormous power over our digital lives, controlling the way we navigate through the web. Some are even trying to manipulate the way democracies run while others have taken the privacy of users for granted. The way to restore the power balance is to break up big tech. Current US antitrust laws allow federal regulators to break up mergers, a move that could promote healthy competition in the market. For global regulators, breaking up monopolies needs a new legal toolbox. Either way, the idea is to level the playing field and protect the future of the internet.

Tim Cook says Apple buys one company every month

After facing backlash from users over the new privacy policy, the American messaging service WhatsApp has come up with a list of details of changes that a user could face after ignoring its terms by the May 15 deadline.

When&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;users began to raise concerns about a new&nbsp;privacy&nbsp;policy being rolled out, members of a Washington pickup soccer group decided to switch their communications to rival messaging platform Signal, ditching the Facebook-owned service.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-asks-people-to-use-signal-app-instead-of-whatsapp-and-facebook-over-privacy-issues-355704">Elon Musk asks people to use Signal app instead of WhatsApp and Facebook over privacy issues</a>

The flap over&nbsp;WhatsApp's&nbsp;privacy&nbsp;policy, described by Facebook as a misunderstanding about efforts to bring businesses onto the platform -- &nbsp;threatens to erode trust in the service which is increasingly important to the leading social network's future.

The California giant last month delayed the implementation of a new policy which critics said could expand data collection from some two billion&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;users around the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-updates-privacy-policy-asks-users-to-accept-terms-or-app-will-be-deleted-354815">WhatsApp updates privacy policy, asks users to accept terms or app will be deleted</a>

Even with the delay in place, the policy caused an uproar and prompted a surge in interest in rival messaging services such as Signal and Telegram.

A&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;blog post cited "confusion" over the policy update and maintained that it "does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook."

The update concerns how merchants using&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;to chat with customers can share data with Facebook, which could use the information for targeted ads, according to the social network. The policy will be reviewed and won't be implemented before May 15, according to the company.

WhatsApp has detailed what will happen to users who won`t agree to new privacy changes through a mail which explains that it will slowly ask such users to comply with the new terms in order to have full functionality of the messaging service till its deadline.

"If the user will not accept the terms, for a short time, these users will be able to receive calls and notifications, but will not be able to read or send messages from the app."

Tech Crunch reported that the short time of asking users to comply with the norms would span ahead for a few weeks and for the inactive users, its policy will apply after May 15. Usually, according to the WhatsApp policy, the accounts of inactive users get deleted automatically after 120 days of inactivity.

Tech Crunch quoted, "Since 2016, WhatsApp`s privacy policies have granted the service permission to share with Facebook certain metadata such as user phone numbers and device information. The new terms will allow Facebook and WhatsApp to share payment and transaction data in order to help them better target ads as the social juggernaut broadens its e-commerce offerings and looks to merge its messaging platforms."&nbsp;

New model for Facebook

WhatsApp, acquired in 2014 for some $19 billion -- the largest sale of a venture-backed firm at the time -- is seen as a strategic asset for Facebook as it faces slowing growth for its core social network and looks to expand its offerings for connecting users and businesses.

The controversy comes as Facebook seeks to integrate its "family" of applications with a common technology and provide more ways for people and businesses to connect, while US antitrust enforcers meanwhile press to "unwind" Facebook's acquisition of&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;and Instagram.

&nbsp;

After facing backlash from users over the new privacy policy, the American messaging service WhatsApp has come up with a list of details of changes that a user could face after ignoring its terms by the May 15 deadline.

After facing backlash from users over the new privacy policy, the American messaging service WhatsApp has come up with a list of details of changes that a user could face after ignoring its terms by the May 15 deadline. When WhatsApp users began to raise concerns about a new privacy policy being rolled out, members of a Washington pickup soccer group decided to switch their communications to rival messaging platform Signal, ditching the Facebook-owned service. Also read: Elon Musk asks people to use Signal app instead of WhatsApp and Facebook over privacy issues The flap over WhatsApp's privacy policy, described by Facebook as a misunderstanding about efforts to bring businesses onto the platform -- threatens to erode trust in the service which is increasingly important to the leading social network's future. The California giant last month delayed the implementation of a new policy which critics said could expand data collection from some two billion WhatsApp users around the world. Also read: WhatsApp updates privacy policy, asks users to accept terms or app will be deleted Even with the delay in place, the policy caused an uproar and prompted a surge in interest in rival messaging services such as Signal and Telegram. A WhatsApp blog post cited "confusion" over the policy update and maintained that it "does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook." The update concerns how merchants using WhatsApp to chat with customers can share data with Facebook, which could use the information for targeted ads, according to the social network. The policy will be reviewed and won't be implemented before May 15, according to the company. WhatsApp has detailed what will happen to users who won`t agree to new privacy changes through a mail which explains that it will slowly ask such users to comply with the new terms in order to have full functionality of the messaging service till its deadline. "If the user will not accept the terms, for a short time, these users will be able to receive calls and notifications, but will not be able to read or send messages from the app." Tech Crunch reported that the short time of asking users to comply with the norms would span ahead for a few weeks and for the inactive users, its policy will apply after May 15. Usually, according to the WhatsApp policy, the accounts of inactive users get deleted automatically after 120 days of inactivity. Tech Crunch quoted, "Since 2016, WhatsApp`s privacy policies have granted the service permission to share with Facebook certain metadata such as user phone numbers and device information. The new terms will allow Facebook and WhatsApp to share payment and transaction data in order to help them better target ads as the social juggernaut broadens its e-commerce offerings and looks to merge its messaging platforms." New model for Facebook WhatsApp, acquired in 2014 for some $19 billion -- the largest sale of a venture-backed firm at the time -- is seen as a strategic asset for Facebook as it faces slowing growth for its core social network and looks to expand its offerings for connecting users and businesses. The controversy comes as Facebook seeks to integrate its "family" of applications with a common technology and provide more ways for people and businesses to connect, while US antitrust enforcers meanwhile press to "unwind" Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram.

Here's what users can face after ignoring WhatsApp's new privacy policy

Reiterating its commitment to the privacy of users, WhatsApp announced an update in its terms of services and privacy policy related to businesses and customers on the instant messaging platform.&nbsp;

"Our commitment to your privacy isn't changing. Your personal conversations are still protected by end-to-end encryption, which means no one outside of your chats, not even WhatsApp or Facebook, can read or listen to them," said WhatsApp in a statement.&nbsp;

The new features of the platform include customers, who can message businesses to ask questions, make purchases, and get information and simplification of the layout of the Privacy Policy, making it easier for users to navigate.&nbsp;

WhatsApp further added that neither it nor Facebook can see the content shared by a user with family and friends, including personal messages and calls, shared attachments or locations.&nbsp;

WATCH|

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-facebook-brings-back-controversial-whatsapp-privacy-policy-364924/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We do not retain your messages in the ordinary course of providing our Services to you. Instead, your messages are stored on your device and not typically stored on our servers. Once your messages are delivered, they are deleted from our servers," said the messaging platform in its new privacy policy."&nbsp;

Safety, security and integrity are an integral part of our Services. We use information we have to verify accounts and activity; combat harmful conduct; protect users against bad experiences and spam; and promote safety, security and integrity on and off our Services, such as by investigating suspicious activity or violations of our Terms and policies, and to ensure our Services are being used legally," it added.&nbsp;

Additional privacy features, such as setting messages to disappear and controlling who can add a user to groups, give you an added layer of privacy, mentioned WhatsApp.&nbsp;

This roll-out is announced days after the Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to Facebook and WhatsApp and sought their response on a plea challenging WhatsApp's latest privacy policy, which was introduced in January this year in India.&nbsp;

Reiterating its commitment to the privacy of users, WhatsApp announced an update in its terms of services and privacy policy related to businesses and customers on the instant messaging platform.

Reiterating its commitment to the privacy of users, WhatsApp announced an update in its terms of services and privacy policy related to businesses and customers on the instant messaging platform. "Our commitment to your privacy isn't changing. Your personal conversations are still protected by end-to-end encryption, which means no one outside of your chats, not even WhatsApp or Facebook, can read or listen to them," said WhatsApp in a statement. The new features of the platform include customers, who can message businesses to ask questions, make purchases, and get information and simplification of the layout of the Privacy Policy, making it easier for users to navigate. WhatsApp further added that neither it nor Facebook can see the content shared by a user with family and friends, including personal messages and calls, shared attachments or locations. WATCH| "We do not retain your messages in the ordinary course of providing our Services to you. Instead, your messages are stored on your device and not typically stored on our servers. Once your messages are delivered, they are deleted from our servers," said the messaging platform in its new privacy policy." Safety, security and integrity are an integral part of our Services. We use information we have to verify accounts and activity; combat harmful conduct; protect users against bad experiences and spam; and promote safety, security and integrity on and off our Services, such as by investigating suspicious activity or violations of our Terms and policies, and to ensure our Services are being used legally," it added. Additional privacy features, such as setting messages to disappear and controlling who can add a user to groups, give you an added layer of privacy, mentioned WhatsApp. This roll-out is announced days after the Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to Facebook and WhatsApp and sought their response on a plea challenging WhatsApp's latest privacy policy, which was introduced in January this year in India.

WhatsApp announces updated policy, reiterates 'committed to privacy'

Do we have an alternative to Facebook as it isn't mending its ways? Should we all just log out of it? Delete accounts. Can we do that? &nbsp;

Many of our apps are linked to it. We chat with our friends, interact with our interest groups, share life events, achievements on Facebook.&nbsp;

Even job openings are shared on Facebook.&nbsp;

Can you do without Facebook, Whatsapp?&nbsp;

Not just these two, can you do without such big tech companies in your life?&nbsp;

The millennials might think it is impossible, those older would say there was a time when there was no social media.&nbsp;

Life was just fine without Facebook but we can't go back to that age and why should we? &nbsp;

WATCH|

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-are-there-alternatives-to-facebook-364918/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It's not like we're riding camels because cars pollute. We have to look for better alternatives, create and support them. We have to ensure they're not just good but also safe. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Perhaps local platforms that don't pry on our private lives. One may say a local platform will limit your connections, not give you the same user experience, and you may be right.&nbsp;

Facebook has nearly three billion users and almost 32% of the world's population. A local platform is unlikely to have even a fraction of it but do we really need an exhaustive friend list?&nbsp;

Have you heard of the Dunbar number? 150 is the Dunbar number. It is said that we can only maintain around 150 connections at once. There are five people in your tighest circle. You have 15 good friends, 50 friends and 150 meaningful contacts.&nbsp;

British anthropologist Robin Dunbar came up with this theory. The researchers he influenced say, the magic number 150 remains true even today in the age of social media. They say the moment your network exceeds 150, it is unlikely to last long or cohere well.&nbsp;

So, local platforms, with not-so-overwhelming number of users, can be alternatives.&nbsp;

You may now say Facebook is more than just making and maintaining friends. Sure, it is and there are alternatives for that too.&nbsp;

Pinterest for interest groups, twitter for your protests and showing off your knowledge can be done on Linkedin along with job hunt.&nbsp;

Not endorsing any platform and just trying to say we do have alternatives to Facebook.&nbsp;

What governments should do is create awareness and let people choose.&nbsp;

Governments should legislate and regulate, talk to people about the importance of safeguarding their data, educate them about how data is misused and how tech monopolies can be dangerous.&nbsp;

Governments can encourage local tech companies by providing grants for innovations.&nbsp;

But start by talking about the problem. In India, when Whatsapp announced its privacy policy. Many people did not realise what the fuss was all about as no one ever spoke to them about data sensitivity.&nbsp;

What we need today is digital education and while we discuss all of this, there is one country that may be having the last laugh. It is China as it has banned Facebook and all major western tech platforms.&nbsp;

China has its own firewall and with big tech becoming a menace, this China model may become attractive to some countries.&nbsp;

When democracy is under threat and events like Capitol Hill happen, China gets to showcase its model of governance as the more effective one. There is no way Beijing will not try to sell its digital model too. It is more profitable than selling dictatorship as China wants to stay ahead of the curve in the 5G race. If it manages to export its firewall, set standards around it, it can make money from patents.&nbsp;

Technology is integral to China's dream of digital dominance. Big tech with all its nuisance may be bringing that dream to life. It is creating a mess in our countries and giving China a chance to have the last laugh.&nbsp;

Do we have an alternative to Facebook as it isn't mending its ways? Should we all just log out of it? Delete accounts. Can we do that? Many of our apps are linked to it.

Do we have an alternative to Facebook as it isn't mending its ways? Should we all just log out of it? Delete accounts. Can we do that? Many of our apps are linked to it. We chat with our friends, interact with our interest groups, share life events, achievements on Facebook. Even job openings are shared on Facebook. Can you do without Facebook, Whatsapp? Not just these two, can you do without such big tech companies in your life? The millennials might think it is impossible, those older would say there was a time when there was no social media. Life was just fine without Facebook but we can't go back to that age and why should we? WATCH| It's not like we're riding camels because cars pollute. We have to look for better alternatives, create and support them. We have to ensure they're not just good but also safe. Perhaps local platforms that don't pry on our private lives. One may say a local platform will limit your connections, not give you the same user experience, and you may be right. Facebook has nearly three billion users and almost 32% of the world's population. A local platform is unlikely to have even a fraction of it but do we really need an exhaustive friend list? Have you heard of the Dunbar number? 150 is the Dunbar number. It is said that we can only maintain around 150 connections at once. There are five people in your tighest circle. You have 15 good friends, 50 friends and 150 meaningful contacts. British anthropologist Robin Dunbar came up with this theory. The researchers he influenced say, the magic number 150 remains true even today in the age of social media. They say the moment your network exceeds 150, it is unlikely to last long or cohere well. So, local platforms, with not-so-overwhelming number of users, can be alternatives. You may now say Facebook is more than just making and maintaining friends. Sure, it is and there are alternatives for that too. Pinterest for interest groups, twitter for your protests and showing off your knowledge can be done on Linkedin along with job hunt. Not endorsing any platform and just trying to say we do have alternatives to Facebook. What governments should do is create awareness and let people choose. Governments should legislate and regulate, talk to people about the importance of safeguarding their data, educate them about how data is misused and how tech monopolies can be dangerous. Governments can encourage local tech companies by providing grants for innovations. But start by talking about the problem. In India, when Whatsapp announced its privacy policy. Many people did not realise what the fuss was all about as no one ever spoke to them about data sensitivity. What we need today is digital education and while we discuss all of this, there is one country that may be having the last laugh. It is China as it has banned Facebook and all major western tech platforms. China has its own firewall and with big tech becoming a menace, this China model may become attractive to some countries. When democracy is under threat and events like Capitol Hill happen, China gets to showcase its model of governance as the more effective one. There is no way Beijing will not try to sell its digital model too. It is more profitable than selling dictatorship as China wants to stay ahead of the curve in the 5G race. If it manages to export its firewall, set standards around it, it can make money from patents. Technology is integral to China's dream of digital dominance. Big tech with all its nuisance may be bringing that dream to life. It is creating a mess in our countries and giving China a chance to have the last laugh.

Can we do without big tech companies?

After banning news in Australia, Facebook has decided to re-introduce the controversial WhatsApp privacy policy. This comes at a time when at least 7 countries are mulling rules to make the tech giant pay for news. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Facebook brings back controversial WhatsApp privacy policy

Can you log out of Facebook? Can we live without it? Can we live without WhatsApp and Instagram? WION's Palki Sharma says- there are alternatives! listen in.

Gravitas: Are there alternatives to Facebook?

Facebook owned WhatsApp has decided that it will allow its users to accept the terms as per there own time, however the company has also announced a deadline before which people have to agree to the terms i.e 15th May 2021. The company will also be adding a banner providing additional information.

WhatsApp Privacy : Controversial policy back with extended deadline

India's Supreme Court told representatives of Facebook today: "You may be a $2-3 trillion-dollar company. But people value their privacy". Whatsapp's new policies are now being examined by India's Top Court. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | WhatsApp Privacy Row: India's Supreme Court sends a message to Facebook

Supreme Court on Monday issued notice&nbsp;to Facebook and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-entertain-plea-against-new-whatsapp-privacy-policy-361543">WhatsApp</a> seeking their response on a plea challenging WhatsApp's latest privacy policy.&nbsp;

Watch:

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India's CJI S A Bobde observed that user privacy should be protected.

"You WhatsApp and Facebook may be a 2-3 trillion-dollar company but privacy rights of people is costlier than that. Protecting that is our duty," the CJI remarked.

India's top court said people have grave apprehension that they will lose their privacy, adding, "it is our duty to protect them".

During the hearing, WhatsApp told India's apex court that "Europe has special law on privacy, will also follow if India has similar statute". A petitioner had alleged that the updated privacy policy of WhatsApp would adversely impact the fundamental right to privacy of Indians.

Watch:

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The plea had sought a direction to the Centre to prohibit WhatsApp and Facebook India from sharing the details and data of subscribers and users and had sought direction to the Centre to regulate the functioning of WhatsApp, Facebook and other internet-based messaging services.

The Supreme Court has posted the case for hearing after four weeks. &nbsp;

Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to Facebook and WhatsApp seeking their response on a plea challenging WhatsApp's latest privacy policy. Watch: India's CJI S A Bobde observed that user privacy should be protected.

Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to Facebook and WhatsApp seeking their response on a plea challenging WhatsApp's latest privacy policy. Watch: India's CJI S A Bobde observed that user privacy should be protected. "You WhatsApp and Facebook may be a 2-3 trillion-dollar company but privacy rights of people is costlier than that. Protecting that is our duty," the CJI remarked. India's top court said people have grave apprehension that they will lose their privacy, adding, "it is our duty to protect them". During the hearing, WhatsApp told India's apex court that "Europe has special law on privacy, will also follow if India has similar statute". A petitioner had alleged that the updated privacy policy of WhatsApp would adversely impact the fundamental right to privacy of Indians. Watch: The plea had sought a direction to the Centre to prohibit WhatsApp and Facebook India from sharing the details and data of subscribers and users and had sought direction to the Centre to regulate the functioning of WhatsApp, Facebook and other internet-based messaging services. The Supreme Court has posted the case for hearing after four weeks.

Supreme Court issues notice to WhatsApp, Facebook over privacy issue

India: A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJ), SA Bobde and Justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian said that while the tech giant may be a company with deep coffers but people value their privacy more than money.

'You may be a trillion dollar company but...': Supreme Court of India to WhatsApp

A few weeks ago, WhatsApp announced that it would update its terms of service. The updated terms required users to agree to share their data with Facebook.&nbsp;

This notification forced millions of WhatsApp users to adopt alternative services such as Signal and Telegram.

India is the largest user base of WhatsApp, a Facebook company and yet there is a mass movement in India right now to migrate from WhatsApp to Telegram, sparked by concerns of privacy.&nbsp;

Not just Telegram but another encrypted messaging app Signal has seen a surge in new sign ins after Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk vouched for it.

WhatsApp's new Terms of Service and privacy policy will come into effect on February 8.

Millions of people are outraged by the latest change in WhatsApp Terms, which now say users must feed all their private data to Facebook's ad engine.

To recall, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in October said that the company is working hard to merge Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp so that they can start to function a little bit more like one connected interoperable system.

In a bid to allow cross-messaging among its family of apps, Facebook has reportedly started merging Instagram and Messenger chats. The social network has already integrated Messenger rooms with WhatsApp on the Web.

(With inputs from agencies)

A few weeks ago, WhatsApp announced that it would update its terms of service. The updated terms required users to agree to share their data with Facebook. This notification forced millions of WhatsApp users to adopt alternative services such as Signal and Telegram.

A few weeks ago, WhatsApp announced that it would update its terms of service. The updated terms required users to agree to share their data with Facebook. This notification forced millions of WhatsApp users to adopt alternative services such as Signal and Telegram. India is the largest user base of WhatsApp, a Facebook company and yet there is a mass movement in India right now to migrate from WhatsApp to Telegram, sparked by concerns of privacy. Not just Telegram but another encrypted messaging app Signal has seen a surge in new sign ins after Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk vouched for it. WhatsApp's new Terms of Service and privacy policy will come into effect on February 8. Millions of people are outraged by the latest change in WhatsApp Terms, which now say users must feed all their private data to Facebook's ad engine. To recall, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in October said that the company is working hard to merge Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp so that they can start to function a little bit more like one connected interoperable system. In a bid to allow cross-messaging among its family of apps, Facebook has reportedly started merging Instagram and Messenger chats. The social network has already integrated Messenger rooms with WhatsApp on the Web. (With inputs from agencies)

Millions of users move away from WhatsApp after terms of service update

Facebook executives on Thursday fielded questions from an Indian parliamentary panel about changes to WhatsApp's privacy policy, days after the country's technology ministry asked the messaging platform to withdraw them.

The committee asked why Facebook needed to change WhatsApp's privacy terms and how it will impact users, a panel member told reporters on condition of anonymity after the meeting.

"Members wanted to know the implications of the policy for Indian consumers," the panel member said, adding that WhatsApp has said it will submit written responses.

A WhatsApp spokeswoman said the company had provided its views and will continue to assist the committee in the future.

With 400 million users, India is WhatsApp's biggest market, and the messaging service has big plans for the country's growing digital payments space, including selling health insurance via partners.

The messaging platform this month kicked off a storm when it informed users it was preparing a new privacy policy, under which it could share limited user data, including phone number and location, with Facebook and its group firms.

Demand for rival applications such as Signal and Telegram surged on privacy concerns and WhatsApp last week decided to delay the new policy launch to May from February.

Facebook last year invested $5.7 billion in the digital unit of Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate Reliance Industries, with a big part of that aimed at drawing in tens of millions of traditional shop owners to use digital payments via WhatsApp.

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology this week said in an email to WhatsApp's boss that the new privacy policy terms take away choice from Indian users.

Facebook executives on Thursday fielded questions from an Indian parliamentary panel about changes to WhatsApp's privacy policy, days after the country's technology ministry asked the messaging platform to withdraw them.

Facebook executives on Thursday fielded questions from an Indian parliamentary panel about changes to WhatsApp's privacy policy, days after the country's technology ministry asked the messaging platform to withdraw them. The committee asked why Facebook needed to change WhatsApp's privacy terms and how it will impact users, a panel member told reporters on condition of anonymity after the meeting. "Members wanted to know the implications of the policy for Indian consumers," the panel member said, adding that WhatsApp has said it will submit written responses. A WhatsApp spokeswoman said the company had provided its views and will continue to assist the committee in the future. With 400 million users, India is WhatsApp's biggest market, and the messaging service has big plans for the country's growing digital payments space, including selling health insurance via partners. The messaging platform this month kicked off a storm when it informed users it was preparing a new privacy policy, under which it could share limited user data, including phone number and location, with Facebook and its group firms. Demand for rival applications such as Signal and Telegram surged on privacy concerns and WhatsApp last week decided to delay the new policy launch to May from February. Facebook last year invested $5.7 billion in the digital unit of Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate Reliance Industries, with a big part of that aimed at drawing in tens of millions of traditional shop owners to use digital payments via WhatsApp. India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology this week said in an email to WhatsApp's boss that the new privacy policy terms take away choice from Indian users.

India parliament panel questions Facebook on WhatsApp's privacy terms

India's IT Ministry has sent a strongly-worded letter to Whatsapp asking to withdraw the proposed changes to its privacy policy. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about the 'ultimatum'.

Gravitas: India asks WhatsApp to withdraw privacy policy

In an exclusive conversation with Signal's Chief Operating Officer, Aruna Harder WION decodes why Indians are now moving away from WhatsApp?

Exclusive | Aruna Harder: People care about their privacy

Indian IT Ministry has written a strongly worded letter to WhatsApp CEO. The government has asked WhatsApp to withdraw the controversial privacy updates for its users.

WION Dispatch: Indian IT Ministry asks WhatsApp to disclose how data is shared

WhatsApp appeared to pull all stops to assure users that their privacy was the messenger apps priority. WhatsApp is currently on backfoot after its new privacy policy led to thousands of users choosing to switch to rival apps such as Telegram and Signal. On Sunday, Whatsapp put up status that had messages for its users.

"We are committed to your privacy", "WhatsApp can't read or listen to your personal conversations as they are end-to-end encrypted", "WhatsApp can't see your shared location", "WhatsApp doesn't share your contacts with Facebook"

These words were put by WhatsApp on its status.

The privacy policy changes from WhatsApp were to come into effect on February 8. Users were asked to accept the changes or the app was to be deleted from their phones.

However, following the backlash and exodus from its platform, WhatsApp said on Saturday that it was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-delays-privacy-policy-update-signal-faces-glitches-357021">delaying implementation of its policy</a>.

The messenger app has gone on a media blitzkrieg in recent days with ads in traditional media as well as online. The status update is part of that outreach.

Telegram and Signal have been the main beneficiaries of users' displeasure at WhatsApp. The downloads of both apps have skyrocketted. These apps are considered to be safer.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-delays-privacy-policy-update-signal-faces-glitches-357021">WhatsApp delays privacy policy update, Signal faces glitches</a>

After the spike in the download, Signal even faced technical issues for several days. It is being said that the crash is due to sudden spike in number of users. Telegram has not made a public declaration of such issue if ever the developers are facing it.

WhatsApp appeared to pull all stops to assure users that their privacy was the messenger apps priority. WhatsApp is currently on backfoot after its new privacy policy led to thousands of users choosing to switch to rival apps such as Telegram and Signal.

WhatsApp appeared to pull all stops to assure users that their privacy was the messenger apps priority. WhatsApp is currently on backfoot after its new privacy policy led to thousands of users choosing to switch to rival apps such as Telegram and Signal. On Sunday, Whatsapp put up status that had messages for its users. "We are committed to your privacy", "WhatsApp can't read or listen to your personal conversations as they are end-to-end encrypted", "WhatsApp can't see your shared location", "WhatsApp doesn't share your contacts with Facebook" These words were put by WhatsApp on its status. The privacy policy changes from WhatsApp were to come into effect on February 8. Users were asked to accept the changes or the app was to be deleted from their phones. However, following the backlash and exodus from its platform, WhatsApp said on Saturday that it was delaying implementation of its policy. The messenger app has gone on a media blitzkrieg in recent days with ads in traditional media as well as online. The status update is part of that outreach. Telegram and Signal have been the main beneficiaries of users' displeasure at WhatsApp. The downloads of both apps have skyrocketted. These apps are considered to be safer. Also Read | WhatsApp delays privacy policy update, Signal faces glitches After the spike in the download, Signal even faced technical issues for several days. It is being said that the crash is due to sudden spike in number of users. Telegram has not made a public declaration of such issue if ever the developers are facing it.

Whatsapp reaches out to users via status, says it values privacy

Privacy is a fundamental right in India, but Whatsapp's new privacy policy could infringe on this right. On Gravitas Plus, Palki Sharma Upadhyay asks why India doesn’t have laws to protect the personal data of its citizens.

Gravitas Plus: WhatsApp's Privacy policy explained

Poland's government said on Friday that it was working on legislation to limit the power of social media platforms to delete content or ban users. Under the rules that are being worked on, platforms like Facebook, Twitter and others will only be able to take action if the content or person breaks Polish law. The legislation proposes setting up a 'freedom of speech council' that will review complaints by users whose content has been removed or account blocked.

"The law will provide tools guaranteeing the basic freedoms and liberties of Polish citizens on the internet," Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro told reporters in Warsaw.

The new legal framework would require "global players" to respect Polish law, he said, adding that "today social media decide for themselves what content will be censored." 
Parliament would appoint the members of the future council for six-year terms and politicians would not be eligible, he said.

"The council will protect the constitutional right to exercise freedom of speech on all social media operating in Poland," the minister said.

The measures are to come into effect by next January.

"The platform considers the complaint and either restores access to the content and the case is closed, or it does not accept the complaint," said Sabastian Kaleta, a senior justice ministry official.

"The user will then have the right to appeal to the council, which will have seven days to consider the user's complaint," he added, explaining the procedure will be entirely electronic. 
Decisions by the council will be subject to appeal in a Polish court.

Non-compliance with the rulings of the council and court will carry fines for social media platforms ranging up to 50 million zloty (11 million euros, $13 million).

(With AFP inputs)

Poland's government said on Friday that it was working on legislation to limit the power of social media platforms to delete content or ban users. Under the rules that are being worked on, platforms like Facebook, Twitter and others will only be able to take action if the content or person breaks Polish law.

Poland's government said on Friday that it was working on legislation to limit the power of social media platforms to delete content or ban users. Under the rules that are being worked on, platforms like Facebook, Twitter and others will only be able to take action if the content or person breaks Polish law. The legislation proposes setting up a 'freedom of speech council' that will review complaints by users whose content has been removed or account blocked. "The law will provide tools guaranteeing the basic freedoms and liberties of Polish citizens on the internet," Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro told reporters in Warsaw. The new legal framework would require "global players" to respect Polish law, he said, adding that "today social media decide for themselves what content will be censored." Parliament would appoint the members of the future council for six-year terms and politicians would not be eligible, he said. "The council will protect the constitutional right to exercise freedom of speech on all social media operating in Poland," the minister said. The measures are to come into effect by next January. "The platform considers the complaint and either restores access to the content and the case is closed, or it does not accept the complaint," said Sabastian Kaleta, a senior justice ministry official. "The user will then have the right to appeal to the council, which will have seven days to consider the user's complaint," he added, explaining the procedure will be entirely electronic. Decisions by the council will be subject to appeal in a Polish court. Non-compliance with the rulings of the council and court will carry fines for social media platforms ranging up to 50 million zloty (11 million euros, $13 million). (With AFP inputs)

Poland works on law limiting powers of Facebook, Twitter and other social platforms

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update: WhatsApp on Friday said that it was delaying its data-sharing change as the rush to rival messaging apps seriously appeared to dent its near-monopoly in several global markets. On the same day, Signal app faced technical difficulties. A message on the app's homepage said that the developers were "working very hard to restore service as quickly as possible". Signal and Telegram have massively benefitted from users' search for a secure app in light of privacy concerns surrounding WhatsApp in accordance with its new policy. WhatsApp had earlier asked users to accept the changes and declared that the app will be unintstalled on February 8 if a user doesn't take action on policy changes.

"We're now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms," WhatsApp said in a blog post.

The platform said it would instead "go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15."

There was a massive spike in downloads of Signal and Telegram ever since WhatsApp privacy concerns made users across the globe worried. Signal saw more than 100,000 downloads while Telegram was downloaded 2.2 million times in just two days last week, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/india-leading-signals-growth-following-whatsapp-user-data-row-claims-coo-356715">India leading Signal's growth following WhatsApp user data row, claims COO</a>

New Installs of WhatsApp fell by 11 per cent in the first week of 2021 compared to the previous week.

The update concerns how merchants using WhatsApp to chat with customers can share data with Facebook, which could use the information for targeted ads, according to the social network.

"We can't see your private messages or hear your calls, and neither can Facebook," WhatsApp said in an earlier blog post.

"We don't keep logs of who everyone is messaging or calling. We can't see your shared location and neither can Facebook."

Location data along with message contents is encrypted end-to-end, according to WhatsApp.

"We're giving businesses the option to use secure hosting services from Facebook to manage WhatsApp chats with their customers, answer questions, and send helpful information like purchase receipts," WhatsApp said in a post.

(With agency inputs)

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update: WhatsApp on Friday said that it was delaying its data-sharing change as the rush to rival messaging apps seriously appeared to dent its near-monopoly in several global markets.

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update: WhatsApp on Friday said that it was delaying its data-sharing change as the rush to rival messaging apps seriously appeared to dent its near-monopoly in several global markets. On the same day, Signal app faced technical difficulties. A message on the app's homepage said that the developers were "working very hard to restore service as quickly as possible". Signal and Telegram have massively benefitted from users' search for a secure app in light of privacy concerns surrounding WhatsApp in accordance with its new policy. WhatsApp had earlier asked users to accept the changes and declared that the app will be unintstalled on February 8 if a user doesn't take action on policy changes. "We're now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms," WhatsApp said in a blog post. The platform said it would instead "go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15." There was a massive spike in downloads of Signal and Telegram ever since WhatsApp privacy concerns made users across the globe worried. Signal saw more than 100,000 downloads while Telegram was downloaded 2.2 million times in just two days last week, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower Also Read | India leading Signal's growth following WhatsApp user data row, claims COO New Installs of WhatsApp fell by 11 per cent in the first week of 2021 compared to the previous week. The update concerns how merchants using WhatsApp to chat with customers can share data with Facebook, which could use the information for targeted ads, according to the social network. "We can't see your private messages or hear your calls, and neither can Facebook," WhatsApp said in an earlier blog post. "We don't keep logs of who everyone is messaging or calling. We can't see your shared location and neither can Facebook." Location data along with message contents is encrypted end-to-end, according to WhatsApp. "We're giving businesses the option to use secure hosting services from Facebook to manage WhatsApp chats with their customers, answer questions, and send helpful information like purchase receipts," WhatsApp said in a post. (With agency inputs)

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update, Signal faces glitches

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