The Future of Private Messaging? WhatsApp's New Privacy Policy Sparks Outrage and Exodus

As May 15, 2021 approaches, millions of global users are bracing themselves for a potential seismic shift in their private messaging habits. At stake is none other than the world's most widely used instant messaging platform: WhatsApp.

Following months of heated debate and public backlash, Facebook-owned WhatsApp will finally roll out its much-criticized new privacy policy on May 15th. The move has already triggered an exodus-like situation among users worldwide who are increasingly voicing their disapproval over what they see as a brazen disregard for user data protection.

The crux of the issue lies in Section 2 (1) (a), which states that by using WhatsApp, you consent to sharing certain information with Facebook Inc. and its family companies ('Data Controllers') located throughout the world. This includes but is not limited to:

* Your phone's operating system

* Device type

* Unique identifiers for advertising purposes

Critics argue this policy amounts to an unmitigated invasion of user privacy, handing over sensitive personal information without explicit consent.

In a scathing rebuke, security expert and journalist Graham Cluley told ZDNet that 'the fact that WhatsApp feels it has the right to share such detailed data about its users with third parties - including advertisers - is simply unacceptable.' He further opined:

'The only way for people who care about their privacy to fight back against this kind of corporate sleight-of-hand is by switching away from these services altogether.'

Indeed, already there are signs that many WhatsApp loyalists are indeed deserting the platform en masse. According to a report by The Verge earlier today (May 13th), over two million users have reportedly left the messaging app in just one day alone following an online campaign called #DeleteWhatsApp.

While some argue this mass exodus is being blown out of proportion, others believe it signals something far more significant - namely that people are finally waking up to their rights when it comes to protecting personal information in today's increasingly surveillance-driven digital landscape.

For now though, only time will tell how many users ultimately decide to #DeleteWhatsApp and what implications this could have for the future of private messaging as we know it.

What do you think? Will Facebook back down on its privacy policy or are these changes here to stay? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

Whatsapp new privacy policy