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WhatsApp from Facebook is delay the implementation of new business functions following user feedback on company data sharing practices.
The delay is a setback for WhatsApp’s plan to generate revenue by facilitating business exchanges on the messaging app, which Facebook acquired for $ 19 billion in 2014 but has been slow to monetize.
WhatsApp said on Friday that users will no longer have to review and agree to its updated terms before February 8, nor will their accounts be suspended or deleted by that date.
Privacy advocates have joined WhatsApp’s changes, pointing to what they say is Facebook’s poor track record of supporting consumers’ interests in handling their data, with many suggesting that 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 that people will have to message a business on WhatsApp and provides greater transparency on how we collect and use data,” the company said.
WhatsApp said it had set a new target date of May 15 for the launch of the commercial tools and will gradually approach users to review the policy changes. – Reported by Katie Paul and Munsif Vengattil, (c) 2021 Reuters
