Hong Kong privacy watchdog urges WhatsApp to pump brakes on policy changes, offer alternatives for users


WhatsApp has informed its more than two billion users that they will need to agree to a new policy allowing it to share data with its parent company, Facebook. The move has prompted concerns about how the data might be used, but WhatsApp maintains the information collected will not include the content of messages. — SCMP

Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog on Jan 11 urged WhatsApp to delay a Feb 8 deadline for users to agree to controversial new terms – namely having their personal data shared with its parent company Facebook – or face being blocked from key features on the messaging service.

Defending its privacy policy, WhatsApp has insisted “no additional data” other than what it already collects will be shared with Facebook under the change. But many of the city’s users have nonetheless switched, or are considering switching, to other alternatives such as Telegram and Signal.

Get 30% off with our ads free Premium Plan!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Tech News

Japan's antitrust watchdog to find Google violated law in search case, Nikkei reports
Is tech industry already on cusp of artificial intelligence slowdown?
What does watching all those videos do to kids' brains?
How the Swedish Dungeons & Dragons inspired 'Helldivers 2'
'The Mind Twisting Quadroids' review: Help needed conquering the galaxy
Albania bans TikTok for a year after killing of teenager
As TikTok runs out of options in the US, this billionaire has a plan to save it
Google offers to loosen search deals in US antitrust case remedy
Is Bluesky the new Twitter for teachers in the US?
'Metaphor: ReFantazio', 'Dragon Age', 'Astro Bot' and an indie wave lead the top video games of 2024

Others Also Read