2021 WhatsApp privacy policy updates - Revision history

2A02:1811:1C75:3000:35CF:ECE3:7324:605B: Removed a useless "A" character.

2026-03-13T19:33:15Z

Removed a useless "A" character.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:33, 13 March 2026
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	*While WhatsApp had shared some data with Facebook since its acquisition in 2014, the update provided more explicit details about the types of data shared and the purpose, particularly concerning business communications. The announcement triggered widespread concern and confusion among users. Many users expressed discomfort with the prospect of more of their data being shared with Facebook, citing concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal information. There was also frustration with the policy update requiring users to accept the new terms to continue using WhatsApp, leaving many feeling they had no real choice.		*While WhatsApp had shared some data with Facebook since its acquisition in 2014, the update provided more explicit details about the types of data shared and the purpose, particularly concerning business communications. The announcement triggered widespread concern and confusion among users. Many users expressed discomfort with the prospect of more of their data being shared with Facebook, citing concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal information. There was also frustration with the policy update requiring users to accept the new terms to continue using WhatsApp, leaving many feeling they had no real choice.

	Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages. A		Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages.

	The privacy policy update led to a significant surge in downloads and usage of alternative messaging platforms.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Nicas \|first=Jack \|last2=Isaac \|first2=Mike \|last3=Frenkel \|first3=Sheera \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Millions Flock to Telegram and Signal as Fears Grow Over Big Tech \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812155643/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-date=12 Aug 2021 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vengattil \|first=Munsif \|last2=Mathews \|first2=Eva \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Signal sees "unprecedented" growth after WhatsApp controversy \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-idUSKBN29I279/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708212522/https://www.reuters.com/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-2021-01-13/ \|archive-date=2023-07-08 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=Reuters}}</ref>		The privacy policy update led to a significant surge in downloads and usage of alternative messaging platforms.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Nicas \|first=Jack \|last2=Isaac \|first2=Mike \|last3=Frenkel \|first3=Sheera \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Millions Flock to Telegram and Signal as Fears Grow Over Big Tech \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812155643/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-date=12 Aug 2021 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vengattil \|first=Munsif \|last2=Mathews \|first2=Eva \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Signal sees "unprecedented" growth after WhatsApp controversy \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-idUSKBN29I279/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708212522/https://www.reuters.com/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-2021-01-13/ \|archive-date=2023-07-08 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=Reuters}}</ref>

2A02:1811:1C75:3000:35CF:ECE3:7324:605B: Added a missing space character.

2026-03-13T19:31:24Z

Added a missing space character.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:31, 13 March 2026
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	*Clarifying how WhatsApp processes user data.		*Clarifying how WhatsApp processes user data.
	*Detailing how WhatsApp works with businesses, including the use of WhatsApp Business accounts and how data from these interactions might be shared with Facebook.		*Detailing how WhatsApp works with businesses, including the use of WhatsApp Business accounts and how data from these interactions might be shared with Facebook.
	*While WhatsApp had shared some data with Facebook since its acquisition in 2014, the update provided more explicit details about the types of data shared and the purpose, particularly concerning business communications.The announcement triggered widespread concern and confusion among users. Many users expressed discomfort with the prospect of more of their data being shared with Facebook, citing concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal information. There was also frustration with the policy update requiring users to accept the new terms to continue using WhatsApp, leaving many feeling they had no real choice.		*While WhatsApp had shared some data with Facebook since its acquisition in 2014, the update provided more explicit details about the types of data shared and the purpose, particularly concerning business communications. The announcement triggered widespread concern and confusion among users. Many users expressed discomfort with the prospect of more of their data being shared with Facebook, citing concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal information. There was also frustration with the policy update requiring users to accept the new terms to continue using WhatsApp, leaving many feeling they had no real choice.

	Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages. A		Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages. A

Andrew V at 14:36, 11 March 2026

2026-03-11T14:36:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:36, 11 March 2026
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	\|Company=Facebook, WhatsApp		\|Company=Facebook, WhatsApp
	\|StartDate=2021-02-08		\|StartDate=2021-02-08
	~~\|EndDate=~~
	\|Status=Active		\|Status=Active
	~~\|ProductLine=~~
	\|Product=WhatsApp		\|Product=WhatsApp
	\|ArticleType=Service		\|ArticleType=Service
	\|Type=		\|Type=Privacy
	\|Description=		\|Description=WhatsApp updated its privacy policy, key changes are: Clarifying how WhatsApp processes user data. Detailing how WhatsApp works with businesses.
	}}		}}
	In January 2021, [[WhatsApp]] announced an update to its privacy policy, set to take effect on February 8, 2021 (later delayed).<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Taylor \|first=Lenore \|date=14 May 2021 \|title=WhatsApp to force users to accept changes to terms of service \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/14/whatsapp-to-force-users-to-accept-changes-to-terms-of-service \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222203353/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/14/whatsapp-to-force-users-to-accept-changes-to-terms-of-service \|archive-date=22 Feb 2026\|access-date=3 January 2026 \|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Key changes to the policy included:		In January 2021, [[WhatsApp]] announced an update to its privacy policy, set to take effect on February 8, 2021 (later delayed).<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Taylor \|first=Lenore \|date=14 May 2021 \|title=WhatsApp to force users to accept changes to terms of service \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/14/whatsapp-to-force-users-to-accept-changes-to-terms-of-service \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222203353/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/14/whatsapp-to-force-users-to-accept-changes-to-terms-of-service \|archive-date=22 Feb 2026\|access-date=3 January 2026 \|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Key changes to the policy included:

Raster: /* References */ add archived ref

2026-02-25T08:30:20Z

References: add archived ref

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:30, 25 February 2026
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	Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages. A		Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages. A

	The privacy policy update led to a significant surge in downloads and usage of alternative messaging platforms.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Nicas \|first=Jack \|last2=Isaac \|first2=Mike \|last3=Frenkel \|first3=Sheera \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Millions Flock to Telegram and Signal as Fears Grow Over Big Tech \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812155643/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-date=12 Aug 2021 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vengattil \|first=Munsif \|last2=Mathews \|first2=Eva \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Signal sees "unprecedented" growth after WhatsApp controversy \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-idUSKBN29I279/ \|archive-url= \|archive-date= \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=Reuters}}</ref>		The privacy policy update led to a significant surge in downloads and usage of alternative messaging platforms.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Nicas \|first=Jack \|last2=Isaac \|first2=Mike \|last3=Frenkel \|first3=Sheera \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Millions Flock to Telegram and Signal as Fears Grow Over Big Tech \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812155643/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-date=12 Aug 2021 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vengattil \|first=Munsif \|last2=Mathews \|first2=Eva \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Signal sees "unprecedented" growth after WhatsApp controversy \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-idUSKBN29I279/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708212522/https://www.reuters.com/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-2021-01-13/ \|archive-date=2023-07-08 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=Reuters}}</ref>

	==Response==		==Response==

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: De-archive.today

2026-02-25T06:39:41Z

De-archive.today

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:39, 25 February 2026
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	Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages. A		Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages. A

	The privacy policy update led to a significant surge in downloads and usage of alternative messaging platforms.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Nicas \|first=Jack \|last2=Isaac \|first2=Mike \|last3=Frenkel \|first3=Sheera \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Millions Flock to Telegram and Signal as Fears Grow Over Big Tech \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-url=~~http~~://web.archive.org/web/~~20260213204458~~/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-date=~~13 Feb 2026~~\|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vengattil \|first=Munsif \|last2=Mathews \|first2=Eva \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Signal sees "unprecedented" growth after WhatsApp controversy \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-idUSKBN29I279/ \|archive-url=~~https://archive.ph/ockvZ~~ \|archive-date=~~3 Jan 2026~~ \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=Reuters}}</ref>		The privacy policy update led to a significant surge in downloads and usage of alternative messaging platforms.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Nicas \|first=Jack \|last2=Isaac \|first2=Mike \|last3=Frenkel \|first3=Sheera \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Millions Flock to Telegram and Signal as Fears Grow Over Big Tech \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812155643/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-date=12 Aug 2021 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vengattil \|first=Munsif \|last2=Mathews \|first2=Eva \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Signal sees "unprecedented" growth after WhatsApp controversy \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-idUSKBN29I279/ \|archive-url= \|archive-date= \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=Reuters}}</ref>

	==Response==		==Response==

Bananabot: Re-archived 1 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-22T21:43:29Z

Re-archived 1 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:43, 22 February 2026
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	\|Description=		\|Description=
	}}		}}
	In January 2021, [[WhatsApp]] announced an update to its privacy policy, set to take effect on February 8, 2021 (later delayed).<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Taylor \|first=Lenore \|date=14 May 2021 \|title=WhatsApp to force users to accept changes to terms of service \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/14/whatsapp-to-force-users-to-accept-changes-to-terms-of-service \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/~~oEXMC~~ \|archive-date=~~15 May 2021~~ \|access-date=3 January 2026 \|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Key changes to the policy included:		In January 2021, [[WhatsApp]] announced an update to its privacy policy, set to take effect on February 8, 2021 (later delayed).<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Taylor \|first=Lenore \|date=14 May 2021 \|title=WhatsApp to force users to accept changes to terms of service \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/14/whatsapp-to-force-users-to-accept-changes-to-terms-of-service \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222203353/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/14/whatsapp-to-force-users-to-accept-changes-to-terms-of-service \|archive-date=22 Feb 2026\|access-date=3 January 2026 \|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Key changes to the policy included:

	*Clarifying how WhatsApp processes user data.		*Clarifying how WhatsApp processes user data.

Bananabot: Re-archived 1 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-22T20:25:29Z

Re-archived 1 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:25, 22 February 2026
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	Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages. A		Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages. A

	The privacy policy update led to a significant surge in downloads and usage of alternative messaging platforms.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Nicas \|first=Jack \|last2=Isaac \|first2=Mike \|last3=Frenkel \|first3=Sheera \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Millions Flock to Telegram and Signal as Fears Grow Over Big Tech \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-url=https://~~archive~~.ph/~~iIOmC~~ \|archive-date=~~14 Jan 2021~~ \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vengattil \|first=Munsif \|last2=Mathews \|first2=Eva \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Signal sees "unprecedented" growth after WhatsApp controversy \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-idUSKBN29I279/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/ockvZ \|archive-date=3 Jan 2026 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=Reuters}}</ref>		The privacy policy update led to a significant surge in downloads and usage of alternative messaging platforms.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Nicas \|first=Jack \|last2=Isaac \|first2=Mike \|last3=Frenkel \|first3=Sheera \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Millions Flock to Telegram and Signal as Fears Grow Over Big Tech \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213204458/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-date=13 Feb 2026\|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vengattil \|first=Munsif \|last2=Mathews \|first2=Eva \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Signal sees "unprecedented" growth after WhatsApp controversy \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-idUSKBN29I279/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/ockvZ \|archive-date=3 Jan 2026 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=Reuters}}</ref>

	==Response==		==Response==

Bythmusters: added cargo

2026-01-31T19:11:31Z

added cargo

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:11, 31 January 2026
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			{{IncidentCargo
			\|Company=Facebook, WhatsApp
			\|StartDate=2021-02-08
			\|EndDate=
			\|Status=Active
			\|ProductLine=
			\|Product=WhatsApp
			\|ArticleType=Service
			\|Type=
			\|Description=
			}}
	In January 2021, [[WhatsApp]] announced an update to its privacy policy, set to take effect on February 8, 2021 (later delayed).<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Taylor \|first=Lenore \|date=14 May 2021 \|title=WhatsApp to force users to accept changes to terms of service \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/14/whatsapp-to-force-users-to-accept-changes-to-terms-of-service \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/oEXMC \|archive-date=15 May 2021 \|access-date=3 January 2026 \|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Key changes to the policy included:		In January 2021, [[WhatsApp]] announced an update to its privacy policy, set to take effect on February 8, 2021 (later delayed).<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Taylor \|first=Lenore \|date=14 May 2021 \|title=WhatsApp to force users to accept changes to terms of service \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/14/whatsapp-to-force-users-to-accept-changes-to-terms-of-service \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/oEXMC \|archive-date=15 May 2021 \|access-date=3 January 2026 \|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Key changes to the policy included:

Line 5:		Line 16:
	*While WhatsApp had shared some data with Facebook since its acquisition in 2014, the update provided more explicit details about the types of data shared and the purpose, particularly concerning business communications.The announcement triggered widespread concern and confusion among users. Many users expressed discomfort with the prospect of more of their data being shared with Facebook, citing concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal information. There was also frustration with the policy update requiring users to accept the new terms to continue using WhatsApp, leaving many feeling they had no real choice.		*While WhatsApp had shared some data with Facebook since its acquisition in 2014, the update provided more explicit details about the types of data shared and the purpose, particularly concerning business communications.The announcement triggered widespread concern and confusion among users. Many users expressed discomfort with the prospect of more of their data being shared with Facebook, citing concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal information. There was also frustration with the policy update requiring users to accept the new terms to continue using WhatsApp, leaving many feeling they had no real choice.

	Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages.		Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages. A

	The privacy policy update led to a significant surge in downloads and usage of alternative messaging platforms.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Nicas \|first=Jack \|last2=Isaac \|first2=Mike \|last3=Frenkel \|first3=Sheera \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Millions Flock to Telegram and Signal as Fears Grow Over Big Tech \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/iIOmC \|archive-date=14 Jan 2021 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vengattil \|first=Munsif \|last2=Mathews \|first2=Eva \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Signal sees "unprecedented" growth after WhatsApp controversy \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-idUSKBN29I279/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/ockvZ \|archive-date=3 Jan 2026 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=Reuters}}</ref>		The privacy policy update led to a significant surge in downloads and usage of alternative messaging platforms.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Nicas \|first=Jack \|last2=Isaac \|first2=Mike \|last3=Frenkel \|first3=Sheera \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Millions Flock to Telegram and Signal as Fears Grow Over Big Tech \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/iIOmC \|archive-date=14 Jan 2021 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vengattil \|first=Munsif \|last2=Mathews \|first2=Eva \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Signal sees "unprecedented" growth after WhatsApp controversy \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-idUSKBN29I279/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/ockvZ \|archive-date=3 Jan 2026 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=Reuters}}</ref>

Rudxain: link to WA

2026-01-06T08:34:58Z

link to WA

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:34, 6 January 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	In January 2021, WhatsApp announced an update to its privacy policy, set to take effect on February 8, 2021 (later delayed).<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Taylor \|first=Lenore \|date=14 May 2021 \|title=WhatsApp to force users to accept changes to terms of service \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/14/whatsapp-to-force-users-to-accept-changes-to-terms-of-service \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/oEXMC \|archive-date=15 May 2021 \|access-date=3 January 2026 \|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Key changes to the policy included:		In January 2021, [[WhatsApp]] announced an update to its privacy policy, set to take effect on February 8, 2021 (later delayed).<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Taylor \|first=Lenore \|date=14 May 2021 \|title=WhatsApp to force users to accept changes to terms of service \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/14/whatsapp-to-force-users-to-accept-changes-to-terms-of-service \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/oEXMC \|archive-date=15 May 2021 \|access-date=3 January 2026 \|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Key changes to the policy included:

	*Clarifying how WhatsApp processes user data.		*Clarifying how WhatsApp processes user data.

Doomguy: Shortened Dates

2026-01-04T02:05:05Z

Shortened Dates

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:05, 4 January 2026
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	Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages.		Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages.

	The privacy policy update led to a significant surge in downloads and usage of alternative messaging platforms.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Nicas \|first=Jack \|last2=Isaac \|first2=Mike \|last3=Frenkel \|first3=Sheera \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Millions Flock to Telegram and Signal as Fears Grow Over Big Tech \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/iIOmC \|archive-date=14 ~~January~~ 2021 \|access-date=3 ~~January~~ 2026 \|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vengattil \|first=Munsif \|last2=Mathews \|first2=Eva \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Signal sees "unprecedented" growth after WhatsApp controversy \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-idUSKBN29I279/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/ockvZ \|archive-date=3 ~~January~~ 2026 \|access-date=3 ~~January~~ 2026 \|work=Reuters}}</ref>		The privacy policy update led to a significant surge in downloads and usage of alternative messaging platforms.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Nicas \|first=Jack \|last2=Isaac \|first2=Mike \|last3=Frenkel \|first3=Sheera \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Millions Flock to Telegram and Signal as Fears Grow Over Big Tech \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/iIOmC \|archive-date=14 Jan 2021 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vengattil \|first=Munsif \|last2=Mathews \|first2=Eva \|date=13 Jan 2021 \|title=Signal sees "unprecedented" growth after WhatsApp controversy \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-idUSKBN29I279/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/ockvZ \|archive-date=3 Jan 2026 \|access-date=3 Jan 2026 \|work=Reuters}}</ref>

	==Response==		==Response==