Facebook Inc. has decided to delay the launch of the new privacy update for WhatsApp after all the backlash from users.
Although the update was only aimed at WhatsApp for Business users, the news of the update concerned users who believed it meant the messaging service would share their private information with their parent company.
Many immediately switched to messaging competitors like Signal and Telegram because of their concerns with the WhatsApp update.
In response to the outrage and exodus, Facebook announced it would delay the launch until May, 15. The new format of the update will still only apply to business users and the company said it will approach this roll-out more gradually, to avoid another panicked response.
“This update does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook,” the company said in a statement.
“While not everyone shops with a business on WhatsApp today, we think that more people will choose to do so in the future and it’s important people are aware of these services.”
WhatsApp yet again assured users that they don’t keep logs of calls and messages and also don’t share contacts or shared location with Facebook.
“With these updates, none of that is changing. Instead, the update includes new options people will have to message a business on WhatsApp, and provides further transparency about how we collect and use data,” they confirmed.
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