WhatsApp, which is facing a backlash following changes in its privacy policy recently, is now trying to smooth ruffled feathers. The Facebook owned company has said that it will not share data such as user messages or profile images with Facebook.
“WhatsApp does not have access to any data as it provides end-to-end encryption. We only have access to the person’s name and number which is also obtained by online consent. We are abiding by the central governments regulations for messenger apps. We are not dealing with sensitive information at all,” said Siddharth Luthra, senior advocate appearing for WhatsApp, in the Delhi High Court where a case against WhatsApp was filed some time back.
“If any of the user wants to opt out of the new policy, he/she cannot be forced to not choose that option,” he added.
But, the advocate appearing for Karmanya Singh Sareen and Shreya Sethi, who filed the petition, argued saying that the actual policy says something else.
And he seems to be correct because some of the lines the in the privacy policy is definitely doubtful. Like the policy says: “Your WhatsApp messages will not be shared onto Facebook for others to see”. So WhatsApp can still share the information with Facebook privately if not publicly?
Another line reads: “In fact, Facebook will not use your WhatsApp messages for any purpose other than to assist us in operating and providing our Services’ – which clearly indicates that user messages will actually be shared with Facebook to provide certain services.