Just recently, WhatsApp told Delhi High Court that users can stop using the app if they don’t want to accept the new privacy policy. So, what happens if you don’t accept it and continue to use the messaging app?
WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update deadline is here, and users will now have to accept it or they will lose access to all the features and chat list in the coming weeks. The solution to this is either you accept the policy or switch to a different messaging app. WhatsApp will not delete the accounts if people don’t accept the policy, but they will gradually limit the features.
Just recently, WhatsApp told Delhi High Court that users can stop using the app if they don’t want to accept the new privacy policy. The company told the court that it is not forcing any user to accept the policy. So, what happens if you don’t accept it and continue to use the messaging app? Keep reading to know
- Your account will not be deleted
“No one will have their accounts deleted or lose functionality of WhatsApp on May 15th because of this update,” says the company.
- WhatsApp will continue to remind users to accept the new terms
While the company has scrapped the deadline for the new policy, it will continue to remind users to accept the new terms. “After giving everyone time to review, we’re continuing to remind those who haven’t had the chance to do so to review and accept. After a period of several weeks, the reminder people receive will eventually become persistent,” says the company.
- What’s next after users start receiving repeated reminders
“At that time, you’ll encounter limited functionality on WhatsApp until you accept the updates,” says the company.”
- No deadline for how long you will receive these reminders
“This will not happen to all users at the same time,” as per the company.
- Users will first lose access to their chat list
Users won’t be able to access their chat list, but they can still answer incoming phone and video calls.
- Users can respond to missed phone or video calls
Users who have notifications enabled, can tap on them to read or respond to a message or call back a missed phone or video call.
- After a few weeks, WhatsApp to stop sending messages and calls to the phones of these users
“After a few weeks of limited functionality, you won’t be able to receive incoming calls or notifications and WhatsApp will stop sending messages and calls to your phone,” says the company’s FAQ page.
- Users can export their chat history on Android or iPhone
Users who don’t want to accept the new privacy update have the choice to export their chat history on Android or iPhone, and download a report of their account.
- Inactive accounts policy will apply for the accounts of these users
Finally, WhatsApp’s existing policy related to inactive users will apply if users do not accept the privacy policy even after repeated reminders.
- Deleting WhatsApp account is something which can’t be reversed
Deleting your account is something that users can’t reverse as it erases their message history, removes them from all of their WhatsApp groups, and deletes their WhatsApp backups.
The Digpu News Whatsapp Alternatives
Several users have already switched to other messaging apps, including Telegram and Signal. Currently, these are the two trusted messaging apps that you can consider trying right now. It is important to note that Telegram offers end-to-end encryption for only secret chats and one-on-one video or voice calls. Those concerned about security will have to enable the secret chat mode if the user wants to make use of end-to-end encryption. Telegram’s founder Pavel Durov has already explained why the app does not offer end-to-end encryption for all the chats. This is to allow these chats to be backed up in Telegram’s own secure cloud storage.
Alternatively, you can install Signal, which is also a private messaging app. This is one of the best apps when it comes to privacy features. Signal also offers end-to-end encryption for all the chats. Unlike WhatsApp, Signal does not support third-party backups and all the data is stored locally on your device. It can be accessed across different platforms – Android, iOS, iPad, Mac, Windows and Linux.