Encrypted instant messaging software WhatsApp 15 announced that the new rules of use originally scheduled to take effect from February 8 will be delayed for three months, hoping to use this to calm users for days on the new rules of use may expand the sharing of user data with social media Facebook dissatisfaction.
Until now, instant messaging software has gained a wide range of users because of its encryption of message delivery.
But the software’s operating group last week asked its nearly 2 billion users to agree to new rules of use by Feb. 8, or they would no longer be able to use the platform. The measure has sparked discontent among many users, who fear the new usage rules amount to an expansion of the platform’s sharing of user data with social media outlet Facebook. The company was acquired by Facebook in 2014.
The company announced in a communiqué on Feb. 15 that it will postpone the implementation of its new rules of use, originally scheduled for Feb. 8, for three months to give users time to understand and accept the content. The new rules will not take effect until May 15.
In particular, the communiqué explains that the new usage rules do not extend to Facebook’s ability to share data, but are intended first and foremost to help companies better communicate with their users through the platform. The communiqué argues that there is some confusion and misinterpretation surrounding the new usage rules. Information received between users of the platform will continue to be encrypted throughout. Neither Facebook, nor WhatsApp will be able to see the information transmitted on the platform.
Apparently the hope is to provide more convenience for businesses to sell products directly on this platform.
Users’ concerns about the security of personal data on the WhatsApp platform are likely to have an economic effect. Other encrypted instant messaging software, such as Signal or Telegram, have seen a recent surge in downloads, and Telegram announced on the 13th that the platform had added more than 25 million active users in 72 hours, bringing the total number of actual users to more than 500 million.
In addition, Turkey’s department regulating market competition announced on the 11th to investigate WhatsApp and Facebook, asking them to stop implementing the new rules of use.
Italy’s personal information protection department also said on the 14th, WhatsApp did not clearly inform users of the new rules are what specific changes.
Many countries’ market regulatory mechanisms have argued that Facebook’s acquisition of multiple companies into the map is not conducive to market competition.
Several U.S. departments also in December last year, asking judicial authorities to force Facebook to cut off the instant photo-sharing platform Instagram and instant messaging platform WhatsApp.
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