Quote:WhatsApp says that it will no longer limit the app's functionality for users who disagree with the new privacy policy requiring them to share their data with Facebook companies.
This change of mind comes after WhatsApp updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Service in January, leaving users three choices: to accept sharing their data with Facebook, stop using the app altogether, or delete their accounts.
Four months later, in early May, the company gave up on its plans to delete user accounts, saying that, starting May 15, features would be removed one by one for users who don't agree with the new policy changes.
Now, WhatsApp backtracked on its decision again, changing the wording on its website to say that users will not have their accounts deleted or lose any app functionality on May 15, even if they disagree with the privacy policy update.
The change of mind comes after the Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (HmbBfDI) banned Facebook in May from processing WhatsApp user data for three months.
"Given recent discussions with various authorities and privacy experts, we want to make clear that we will not limit the functionality of how WhatsApp works for those who have not yet accepted the update," the company said in a statement.
"We will continue to remind users from time to time and let them accept the update, including when they choose to use relevant optional features like communicating with a business that is receiving support from Facebook."
Even though "the majority of users who have seen the update have accepted," WhatsApp will keep showing reminders, "providing more information about the update and reminding those who haven't had a chance to do so to review and accept."
Read more: WhatsApp caves in: Won't limit features if you reject privacy changes (bleepingcomputer.com)
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