WhatsApp angered literally all of its users when it started asking (forcing) them to accept a planned update for its privacy policy.
When the Facebook-owned messaging app started showing pop-up notice, suggesting that it wants to share more data with Facebook, mass exodus started to happen.
When WhatsApp tried to explain itself, to say that people are receiving the context all wrong, there is nothing that can stop WhatsApp users from using alternatives, like Signal and Telegram.
Knowing what it did weren't enough, WhatsApp even had to delay the planned February update to May.
And to make sure that users get the message right, WhatsApp reminds people that its service is free, and explaining where it gets its money to make that happen.
In a blog post, the messaging app wrote that:
"We charge businesses to provide customer service on WhatsApp - not people."
"Some shopping features involve Facebook so that businesses can manage their inventory across apps. We display more information directly in WhatsApp so people can choose if they want to engage with businesses, or not."
WhatsApp is not having a change of mind or a change of heart.
But again, to ensure that there is no confusion, the company said that it will display a banner in the app to provide "more information that people can read at their own pace. We’ve also included more information to try and address concerns we’re hearing. Eventually, we’ll start reminding people to review and accept these updates to keep using WhatsApp."
WhatsApp users can have all the time they need (until May 15) to read what WhatsApp has to say.
Eventually, they have to accept it by that date to keep using WhatsApp.
WhatsApp acknowledges that a number of its users are fleeing to competitors.
"During this time, we understand some people may check out other apps to see what they have to offer," said WhatsApp.
But again, WhatsApp is defending itself by saying that messages are end-to-end encrypted, meaning that no one by the sender and the recipient of the messages can read the messages. But without mentioning Signal or Telegram by name, WhatsApp said that "Other apps say they’re better because they know even less information than WhatsApp."
The re-introduction of the privacy change using a new approach is meant to regain users' trust. Its focus is to repair the damage that was already done.
Here, WhatsApp said that it believes users look for apps that are reliable and safe.
"We strive to be thoughtful on the decisions we make and we’ll continue to develop new ways of meeting these responsibilities with less information, not more," the company ended.
Previously, founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has already started its vision of integrating all of Facebook-owned messaging systems by first linking Instagram Direct and Messenger.