WhatsApp is alerting its users globally with an in-app notification about updates to its terms of service and privacy policies. It told users that those who do not consent to its changed policies will be unable to use the application thereafter. The Facebook-owned messaging app's new sets of policies — which were changed last on January 4, 2021 — will go live on February 8, 2021. The new policies are largely expanded and better-explained versions of their existing conditions, with some new additions. The updated policies (terms of service and privacy) contain language on how user data is processed by the company. It also has new sections on how businesses can use WhatsApp to communicate with each other, likely in line with Facebook's push to generate more revenue from the messaging app. Additionally, the policies deal with connections within the Facebook's "family of apps and products". It is important to note that Facebook is currently working on integrating WhatsApp closely into its larger ecosystem. In an earnings call in October 2020, CEO Mark Zuckerberg had indicated a "connected interoperable system" where WhatsApp, Instagram and and Messenger app could be used interchangeably. Only recently, Messenger app and Instagram were integrated with a "cross-messaging" feature. What's changed in the new policies Granular permissions for location: WhatsApp said it has optional features that require the collection of additional information. If users choose to not provide the information required for the functioning of those features, they will be unable to use it. For example, the…
