Avoid Privacy Changes: No Effect on WhatsApp's Full Access

Avoid Privacy Changes: No Effect on WhatsApp’s Full Access

WhatsApp’s new privacy policy has managed to create quite a bit of controversy since the company first announced it in early 2021 . Following user backlash, WhatsApp delayed the rollout of its new privacy until mid-May.

The company planned to limit WhatsApp users’ account functionality who did not accept its new privacy policy by May 15th. However, the company has now had a change of heart.

WhatsApp Reverses Its Stance on Limiting Account Functionality

In a statement to The Verge , WhatsApp says that it will not limit the account functionality of users who do not accept its new privacy policy. The company will be sticking to this stance going forward. Below is the statement issued by WhatsApp:

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

WhatsApp will continue to remind users about its new privacy policy, though. The company wants to give its users more choice with this move.

We will continue to remind users from time to time and let them accept the update, including when they choose to use relevant optional features like communicating with a business that is receiving support from Facebook. We hope this approach reinforces the choice that all users have whether or not they want to interact with a business.”

After initially delaying the rollout of the new privacy policy until May 15th, WhatsApp had stated that it would eventually delete accounts that do not accept the updated privacy policy. A week before the mid-May deadline,WhatsApp reversed its stance , saying it won’t delete accounts that do not accept the changes, though it would start limiting their functionality.

The limited functionality would have included WhatsApp showing a persistent notification about its new privacy policy to users. It would then prevent users from accessing their chat list, though they would still have been able to answer incoming voice and video calls. Users would have also been able to read and respond to missed calls or messages via notifications.

Eventually, though, WhatsApp would revoke an account’s ability to receive incoming calls and messages, rendering the messaging platform inaccessible for users who do not accept its new privacy policy.

WhatsApp’s New Privacy Policy Has Been Controversial

The whole controversy around WhatsApp’s new privacy policy has been related to the company sharing more user data with Facebook. However, WhatsApp has repeatedly denied this saying the new privacy policy will only share one’s communication data with businesses , which Facebook could use for marketing purposes.

VSDC Pro Video Editor is a light professional non-linear video editing suite for creating a movie of any complexity. It supports the most popular video/audio formats and codecs, including 4K, HD and GoPro videos. Preconfigured profiles make the creation of videos for various multimedia and mobile devices absolutely hassle-free.

Key features:

• Import from any devices and cams, including GoPro and drones. All formats supported. Сurrently the only free video editor that allows users to export in a new H265/HEVC codec, something essential for those working with 4K and HD.
• Everything for hassle-free basic editing: cut, crop and merge files, add titles and favorite music
• Visual effects, advanced color correction and trendy Instagram-like filters
• All multimedia processing done from one app: video editing capabilities reinforced by a video converter, a screen capture, a video capture, a disc burner and a YouTube uploader
• Non-linear editing: edit several files with simultaneously
• Easy export to social networks: special profiles for YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, Twitter and Instagram
• High quality export – no conversion quality loss, double export speed even of HD files due to hardware acceleration
• Stabilization tool will turn shaky or jittery footage into a more stable video automatically.
• Essential toolset for professional video editing: blending modes, Mask tool, advanced multiple-color Chroma Key