Facebook: Users can quit WhatsApp if policy unacceptable
Facebook, the owner of WhatsApp told the Supreme Court that users are free to quit the application if they find the company's new privacy policy unacceptable. WhatsApp's counsel argued that since their policy was in the private domain, it could not be constitutionally challenged by the Supreme Court. The court argued that these statements were tantamount to forcing users to make negative choices.
WhatsApp makes U-turn on privacy
In Aug'16, WhatsApp made a major announcement which is a prominent diversion from its current privacy policy. The company would now start sharing phone numbers, device information and analytics data of its 1 billion-plus users with Facebook. Until then there was little emphasis placed on generating revenue from WhatsApp, however, that would soon be a thing of the past.
How would this work?
In early 2016, WhatsApp alluded to allowing businesses like banks and airlines to connect with customers directly. WhatsApp explains on its blog: "We want to explore ways for you to communicate with businesses that matter to you too, while still giving you an experience without third-party banner ads and spam". This will enable Facebook to show more relevant ads and offer better friend suggestions.
Indian students file PIL against WhatsApp
In September 2016, 2 Indian students Karmanya Singh Sareen and Shreya Sethi filed a public-interest litigation in the Delhi HC saying WhatsApp's privacy policy endangers user data. They sought a complete roll-back of WhatsApp's new policy.
