WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that allows you to send text, voice, video, and image messages to your contacts. It also lets you make voice and video calls, and join group chats. WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, a social media giant that also owns Instagram and Messenger.
WhatsApp claims to respect your privacy and security, and uses end-to-end encryption to protect your messages from being read by anyone else.
However, in January 2021, WhatsApp announced a new update to its terms and conditions, which sparked a lot of controversy and backlash from users and experts.
What are the new terms and conditions?
The new terms and conditions require users to agree to share some of their data with Facebook and its other companies. This data includes your phone number, contacts, location, device information, and how you use WhatsApp.
WhatsApp says this data will be used to improve its services, offer personalized ads, and integrate with other Facebook products.
The new terms and conditions also state that WhatsApp will work with third-party service providers, such as cloud storage, hosting, and payment platforms, to enable some of its features. These service providers may also access and store your data, and may be located in different countries with different privacy laws.
Why are the new terms and conditions controversial?
The new terms and conditions are controversial for several reasons. First, many users feel that they are being forced to accept the new terms and conditions, or else they will lose access to WhatsApp after February 8, 2021. This deadline was later extended to May 15, 2021, after a lot of backlash and confusion.
Second, many users are concerned about how their data will be used by Facebook and its other companies, especially for targeted advertising and cross-platform integration. Some users fear that their data will be shared with governments, law enforcement, or other third parties without their consent or knowledge.
Third, many users are worried about how the new terms and conditions will affect their privacy and security, especially in regions where WhatsApp is widely used for political, social, and personal communication. Some users fear that their messages will be monitored, censored, or manipulated by Facebook or its partners.
What are the alternatives to WhatsApp?
If you are not comfortable with the new terms and conditions, you may want to look for alternatives to WhatsApp. There are many other messaging apps that offer similar or better features, and that respect your privacy and security. Some of the most popular alternatives are:
1. Signal
Signal is a free and open-source messaging app that uses end-to-end encryption to protect your messages and calls. Signal does not collect or share any of your data, and has a simple and user-friendly interface. Signal also offers group chats, stickers, voice notes, and disappearing messages. Signal is widely regarded as one of the most secure and private messaging apps available.
2. Telegram
Telegram is a free and cloud-based messaging app that also uses end-to-end encryption for your messages and calls. Telegram does not require your phone number to sign up, and allows you to create usernames and aliases. Telegram also offers group chats, channels, bots, stickers, voice notes, and self-destructing messages. Telegram is known for its speed, reliability, and customization options.
3. Threema
Threema is a paid and secure messaging app that does not require your phone number or email address to sign up. Threema uses end-to-end encryption for your messages, calls, and files. Threema also offers group chats, polls, voice notes, and anonymous chats. Threema is designed to minimize your data footprint and maximize your privacy.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s new terms and conditions have raised a lot of questions and concerns among its users and experts. The new terms and conditions require users to agree to share some of their data with Facebook and its other companies, or else they will lose access to WhatsApp.
The new terms and conditions also state that WhatsApp will work with third-party service providers, who may also access and store your data. The new terms and conditions are controversial because they may affect your privacy, security, and freedom of expression.
If you are not comfortable with the new terms and conditions, you may want to look for alternatives to WhatsApp, such as Signal, Telegram, or Threema.
FAQs
How can I delete my WhatsApp account?
To delete your WhatsApp account, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the menu icon (three dots) in the top right corner.
- Tap on Settings, then tap on Account.
- Tap on Delete my account, then enter your phone number and tap on Delete my account again.
- Confirm your decision by tapping on Delete my account once more.
Deleting your WhatsApp account will erase your message history, delete you from all your groups, and remove your backups. You will also lose your access to WhatsApp services.
How can I backup my WhatsApp data?
To backup your WhatsApp data, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the menu icon (three dots) in the top right corner.
- Tap on Settings, then tap on Chats.
- Tap on Chat backup, then tap on Backup to Google Drive.
- Choose a Google account and a backup frequency, then tap on Backup.
Backing up your WhatsApp data will allow you to restore your messages and media if you change your phone or reinstall WhatsApp.
How can I transfer my WhatsApp data to another app?
To transfer your WhatsApp data to another app, you will need to use a third-party tool or service, such as WazzapMigrator, Backuptrans, or MobileTrans. These tools or services will help you export your WhatsApp data from your phone, and import it to another app, such as Signal or Telegram.
However, these tools or services may not be free, reliable, or secure, and may require you to root or jailbreak your phone. Use them at your own risk.
How can I opt out of the new terms and conditions?
You cannot opt out of the new terms and conditions. You have to either accept them or delete your WhatsApp account. However, you can limit some of the data sharing by changing your settings.
For example, you can turn off your last seen, profile photo, and status visibility, and disable read receipts and live location. You can also block or report any unwanted or spam messages or calls.
How can I contact WhatsApp support?
To contact WhatsApp support, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the menu icon (three dots) in the top right corner.
- Tap on Settings, then tap on Help.
- Tap on Contact us, then fill out the form and attach any screenshots if needed.
- Tap on Next, then tap on Send.
You will receive a reply from WhatsApp support via email within 24 hours.
Last modified: February 6, 2024
