Users not accepting the privacy policy of WhatsApp, will have limited functionality

WhatsApp will not delete any account for not accepting its new privacy update, but users not agreeing to the controversial terms after "several weeks" will not be able to access their chat list, and eventually, will not be able to answer incoming phone or video calls over the app.

WhatsApp, on its website, said it is continuing to remind those who haven't had the chance to review and accept the terms, and after a period of several weeks, "the reminder (that) people receive will eventually become persistent".

Explaining the course of action after 'persistent' reminders are sent to users, WhatsApp said: At that time, users will encounter limited functionality on WhatsApp until they accept the updates. This will not happen to all users at the same time. They won't be able to access their chat list, but they can still answer incoming phone and video calls. If they have notifications enabled, they can tap on them to read or respond to a message or call back a missed phone or video call.

The messaging platform said after a few weeks of limited functionality, users, who still won't accept the terms, won't be able to receive incoming calls or notifications and WhatsApp will stop sending messages and calls to users’ phones.

WhatsApp said it won't delete the users' accounts if they haven't accepted the update but highlighted that its existing policy related to inactive users will apply.

WhatsApp accounts are generally deleted after 120 days of inactivity, wherein inactivity refers to users not connecting to the messaging platform. WhatsApp had faced severe backlash over user concerns that data was being shared with parent company, Facebook. The company has not clarified the reason behind the decision for easing the May 15 deadline for acceptance of the privacy policy update, nor divulged the number of users who have agreed to the terms so far.

According to WhatsApp, the key updates include more information about its service and how it processes user data; how businesses can use Facebook hosted services to store and manage their WhatsApp chats; and how WhatsApp partners with Facebook to offer integrations across the company products. WhatsApp has insisted that the acceptance of the privacy policy update does not expand its ability to share user data with Facebook.