Microsoft has called for Netizens to migrate to its Skype service from WhatsApp after the latter updated its privacy policy, revealing that users’ data will soon be shared with Facebook, despite saying the opposite when it was purchased by the social media giant back in 2014.
Skype tweeted recently that it “respects your privacy” and that “we are committed to keeping your personal data private and do not sell to 3rd parties” after WhatsApp revelled that from February 8, it will be mandatory for users to have their personal data shared with Facebook and other companies.
Skype respects your privacy. We are committed to keeping your personal data private and do not sell to 3rd parties: https://t.co/FLGwMmSNHv pic.twitter.com/dupbfejr7m
— Skype (@Skype) January 8, 2021
Back in 2014, Mark Zuckerberg’s social media platform purchased WhatsApp, a globally popular cross-platform messaging app, for a whopping $16 billion. Around 70% of WhatsApp’s users are active on the app every single day, a number which is not far off those using standard text messaging. At the time of the purchase, WhatsApp reassured its users that personal data would not be available to Facebook.
Alarm bells have raised over WhatsApp’s policy pivot, with public figures urging users to consider a move to other services. For example, Elon Musk has called upon people to change to Signal, an increasingly popular cross-platform encrypted messaging service which has recently seen an explosion in new user registrations.
Use Signal
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 7, 2021
In a series of tweets on January 7, Signal said that its verification codes were delayed “because so many new people are trying to join Signal right now.” Such news suggests that the vast number of messenger app users are becoming increasingly concerned with Facebook’s overreach on WhatsApp.
Verification codes are currently delayed across several providers because so many new people are trying to join Signal right now (we can barely register our excitement). We are working with carriers to resolve this as quickly as possible. Hang in there.
— Signal (@signalapp) January 7, 2021
Others have also sounded the alarm over WhatsApp’s changing privacy policies and the increased sharing of users’ data with Facebook.
TechCrunch editor, Mike Butcher, tweeted about possible alternatives, again pointing to Signal, but also to Telegram, noting that they are more stubble for those concerned about privacy.
Signal and Telegram are now better alternatives if you are concerned about your privacy. Here’s what a Facebook wants out of you on WhatsApp and it’s own site: pic.twitter.com/uBN5g9ufgx
— Mike Butcher (@mikebutcher) January 7, 2021
Netizens also gave their opinions on Facebook's encroaching control over WhatsApp users' data, and which alternatives may be best pursued.
After new update of whatsapp privacy policies. #Telegram pic.twitter.com/70i7DDCzzR
— Afzal Ahmed | Digital Marketer (@DigitalAfzal) January 7, 2021It's time to dump @Whatsapp and get our moms to use @signalapp . There is no other way. https://t.co/5D80jdiyle
— İyad el-Baghdadi | إياد البغدادي (@iyad_elbaghdadi) January 7, 2021
Mark Zuckerberg after changing whats app privacy policy .
— Daman (@askdaman) January 6, 2021
privacy is an illusion in digital world pic.twitter.com/3Cj60u4nfd
New WhatsApp privacy policy: all data will be shared with FB. This is a reminder that @signalapp is free and they collect next to nothing pic.twitter.com/XpE5nkCNL8
— Michael Weissbacher (@mweissbacher) January 7, 2021
#WhatsApp New privacy policy changes help them to collect " messaging, calling, Status, groups (including group name, group picture, group description), payments or business features; profile photo, "about" information, your last seen" . pic.twitter.com/CYiyvNm0lU
— Selvadurai Muthupachaiyappan (@selvaduraimuthu) January 5, 2021
