Facebook’s WhatsApp is delaying the roll out of new business features following user backlash over the company’s data sharing practices.
The delay is a setback for WhatsApp’s plan to generate revenue by facilitating commercial exchanges on the messaging app, which Facebook acquired for US$19-billion in 2014 but has been slow to monetise.
WhatsApp said on Friday that users will no longer have to review and accept its updated terms by 8 February, nor will they have their accounts suspended or deleted by that date.
WhatsApp set a new target date of 15 May for the launch of the business tools. It will approach users gradually to review the policy changes
Privacy advocates have jumped on the WhatsApp changes, pointing to what they say is Facebook’s poor track record of supporting consumer interests when handling their data, with many suggesting users migrate to other platforms.
WhatsApp said the planned update does not affect personal conversations, which will continue to have end-to-end encryption, or expand its ability to share data with Facebook.
“The update includes new options people will have to message a business on WhatsApp, and provides further transparency about how we collect and use data,” the company said.
WhatsApp said it had set a new target date of 15 May for the launch of the business tools and will approach users gradually to review the policy changes.
COMMENTS 16
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So much for Facebook not being ‘fazed’ in the 16 Jan article, then hey?
https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/tech/trading-whatsapp-for-signal-or-telegram-facebook-isnt-fazed/
Vote 13
Classic.
Vote 6
Still going to leave WhatsApp, FB and as many of the big techs as possible. Facebook has shown itself to be complicit in: 1.) the polarisation of our world through their algorithms and 2.) the advancement of Marxism through censorship of ideas that the political elite consider “problematic.”
Vote 43
Same here. I do not want to have anything whatsoever to do with any business owned by young Markus Suikerheuwel. Yes, I understand that losing one user – or even a hundred thousand users – will have absolutely zero impact on his empire. But if enough people take a stand, eventually it will make a difference. At the very least, we may ensure the survival of the much smaller alternatives Signal and Telegram.
Vote 26
Agreed.
Vote 4
I don’t have a huge problem with Deep Tech using my anonymous data for advertising revenue. It’s been going on for ages. Just Google something, and the next minute you’re swamped by ads for the product you’re looking for.
What I do have an immense problem with, is when Deep Tech starts deciding on my behalf what political views I may have, and what I may and may not read.
Vote 27
Use the “DuckDuckGo” overlay on your google if you don’t want all the tracking and ads.
Vote 7
i am just an easy-going-god-person, and he not only knows everything about me, but also about mark, whatsapp and everybody else.
so what am i suppose to worry about?
its you guys living in and behind the shades that have sleepless nights about nothing
Vote 3
….One hears of people without principle
Share why you perhaps have none?
Vote 2
leah, you say i do not have principles because i do not care about what other people do?
Vote
The tin foil hat wearing Trumptards can relax and untwist their panties..for now!
Vote 3
…..intellectually changed. Do something about it
Vote
ha ha..suck it up snowflake, your orange goon lost..ha ha haaa
Vote 2
Not too long into the future.
Hello! Gordon’s pizza?
– No sir it’s Google’s pizza.
– So it’s a wrong number? Sorry
– No sir, Google bought it.
– OK. Take my order please
– Well sir, you want the usual?
The usual? You know me?
– According to our caller ID data sheet, in the last 12 times, you
ordered pizza with cheeses, sausage, thick crust.
OK! This is it …
– May I suggest to you this time ricotta, arugula with dry tomato.?
What? I hate vegetables.
– Your cholesterol is not good, sir.
How do you know?
– We crossed the number of your fixed line with your name, through the
subscribers guide. We have the result of your blood tests for the
last 7 years.
Okay, but I do not want this pizza!,I already take medicine …
– Excuse me, but you have not taken the medicine regularly, from our
commercial database, 4 months ago, you only purchased a box with 30
cholesterol tablets at Drugsale Network.
I bought more from another drugstore.
– It’s not showing on your credit card statement
I paid in cash
– But you did not withdraw that much cash according to your bank
statement
I have have other source of cash
– This is not showing as per you last Tax form unless you bought them from undeclared income source.
WHAT THE HELL?
– I’m sorry, sir, we use such information only with the intention of helping you.
Enough! I’m sick of google, facebook, twitter, WhatsApp. I’m going to an Island without internet, cable TV, where there is no cell phone line and no one to watch me or spy on me.
– I understand sir but you need to renew your passport first as it has expired 5 weeks ago
Vote 10
Just to let you know that they having a special on tinfoil at your local supermarket!
Vote 2
Ever tried Amazon’s Alexa?
Didn’t think so.
Vote 1
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