WhatsApp chief ‘clears the air’ on new privacy policy

 

WhatsApp director Will Cathcart said he posted several tweets on Sunday to clarify the situation regarding the debate that has been going on since last week over the messaging app's newly released privacy policy.

He said WhatsApp is committed to protecting its users' data and is promoting its new end-to-end encryption policy. He said that with this new encryption, no one, not even WhatsApp or Facebook, could intercept users' calls or messages. He said the company values ​​the safety of its users and will continue to develop policies that could help its users protect their privacy.

I want to share how committed everyone @WhatsApp is to providing private communication for two billion people around the world. At our core, that’s the ability to message or call loved ones freely protected by end-to-end encryption and that’s not changing.

— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) January 8, 2021

He made it clear that the new policy won't change the way WhatsApp shares consumer data with Facebook.

It's important for us to be clear this update describes business communication and does not change WhatsApp’s data sharing practices with Facebook. It does not impact how people communicate privately with friends or family wherever they are in the world.

— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) January 8, 2021

Cathcart said his company released the new policy on Business and How People Use the App to Communicate with Businesses.

Also businesses want tools to quickly and effectively respond to those messages. It’s too hard today and features like Shops and Pay can help people buy things they want from businesses on WhatsApp.

— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) January 8, 2021

The messaging app manager said the guideline is to keep them ahead of their competition. He said his company values ​​its customers despite opposition. He added that WhatsApp will continue to provide secure communications to its customers.

We’re proud of the service we offer, and we’ll continue to develop technology and practices to provide private, secure communications for as many people as we can.

— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) January 8, 2021

It is noteworthy that there was no talk about how or what data WhatsApp shared with Facebook or third-party companies. Nor did he mention the growing public concern about Facebook and its companies selling their personal information to ad networks.