WhatsApp has finally begun offering users the option to download their own account information and settings. The new feature does not include messages and media (there is a different feature for that), but information like profile photo and group names. This feature, Request Account Info, will be rolled out to all users around the world in the latest update of the software. This new feature is designed to comply with the GDPR, Europe's new privacy laws. One of the key requirements placed on companies by this law is that they should offer data portability, that allows users to request all data collected from them and enables them to migrate that data to another service. The option will be available under Settings > Account in the app. The report will be available approximately 3 days after the date requested, WhatsApp said. The company added that while your report request is pending, certain account actions, including deleting the account, changing number or device or re-registering account, will cancel the request. If the request is cancelled, one can request another report, WhatsApp said. Instagram, which is owned by Facebook (like WhatsApp), also recently announced that it will soon allow users to download photos, videos, texts and other information they have shared on Instagram through a new data portability tool. Till date, Instagram does not have an option to save or copy the images posted on one’s own profile, for its nearly 800 million users worldwide. This may help the photo-sharing platform comply with…
