Did you uninstall WhatsApp yet? What a scary update right? These were some of the most asked questions in the last few days. And why not? Millennials and Baby Boomers alike found their privacy invaded while bringing the uncomfortable truth of their data not really being secure. So that's what we discuss in today's bulletin. We also look at Donald Trump being impeached for the 2nd time. And an interesting change in how Reliance Retail operates. Read today's highlights and learn more!
The famous WhatsApp updated Privacy Policy has spawned a bunch of discussions and debates. Also, a lot of Indian WhatsApp users are suddenly downloading Telegram or Signal. Amid continuing concerns over its new privacy policy released a few days ago, WhatsApp on Tuesday had to clarify, yet again that the policy changes nothing for those messaging friends and family. It also clarified that in some conditions, business messages — “different from messaging with your family or friends” — can be read by Facebook and could be used for marketing purposes.The question is should - you really be concerned? Is it really that big of a deal? What are these famous updates about? Check out the article to find out. Or read our analysis below.
Why is this relevant to you, the MBA student?
Well for starters, it involves that same old discussion on data privacy. No matter what domain you're getting into, or interested in, this is one debate you'll need to have the facts about. So let's dive in.First, let's understand what these changes really are. To clarify, for the longest time, if you checked the WhatsApp Privacy Policy, it said "Respect for your privacy is coded into our DNA." This line has now been removed. WhatsApp has so far restrained from putting those annoying banner ads in the app and it says that it has “no intention to introduce them” either. However, it also says that “but if we ever do, we will update this Privacy Policy.” So you never know, those pesky ads also might just pop up.But what's got users really worried is the note on changes in how the app processes your data, how businesses can use Facebook hosted services to store and manage their WhatsApp chats, and the possibility of higher integration of Facebook’s other products with WhatsApp.
So what personal data does WhatsApp plan to collect?
In terms of hardware data, here’s what, according to the new privacy policy, WhatsApp will collect: “battery level, signal strength, app version, browser information, mobile network, connection information (including phone number, mobile operator or ISP), language and time zone, IP address, device operations information, and identifiers (including identifiers unique to Facebook Company Products associated with the same device or account).” Nothing alarming as such but notably this point wasn’t a part of WhatsApp previous privacy policy.
What information WhatsApp will share with Facebook?
Well, almost everything. WhatsApp’s privacy policy clearly states that your phone number, IP address, the mobile device information will be shared with Facebook. “The information we share with the other Facebook Companies. includes your account registration information (such as your phone number), transaction data, service-related information, information on how you interact with others (including businesses) when using our Services, mobile device information, your IP address, and may include other information identified in the Privacy Policy section entitled ‘Information We Collect’ or obtained upon notice to you or based on your consent,” notes the privacy policy.But, they also clarified, if you use the app for personal and family messaging, your data is still safe and protected. The new policy is applicable to WhatsApp business users. So basically, your chats (and personal data as mentioned above) with WhatsApp business accounts on WhatsApp or (business accounts on Instagram or Facebook), would be accessible and available to a bunch of people - from the business/ company authorities to anyone they share that data with. Phew.
So should you delete the app right now?
Well, even if you do, your data is still stored in Facebook's data centers in the US. It won't disappear. Also if you still use Facebook and Instagram but delete WhatsApp, you're still going to be under their radar. Is this something that should concern you?This brings us back to the famous "privacy paradox." You say, do and share things on the internet that would not be comfortable sharing in person, online with strangers. And companies have had access to our data for a long time. In fact, the whole digital marketing industry runs on this digital data! From our behaviour online to what's in our shopping carts to AI-based recommendation engines, companies know and use data to track our behaviour, predict it, and more. But what's really concerning about this new avatar of WhatsApp is the fact that the policy differs slightly in the EU and the rest of the world. In the EU, the GDPR laws ensure that users can control exactly what data is shared. And if something is shared without their consent, they can contest it in court.But everywhere else, especially in India, we lack authoritative bodies that regulate data privacy. In the USA meanwhile, the Federal Trust Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against Facebook for their antitrust, anti-competitive policies. In fact, they have even contested Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram. If they win, the company will be forced to sell WhatsApp and Instagram! Anyway, is this a good business decision at least? Well, on the surface, it seems to be so. But if you dig deeper you'll see that while a connection between Facebook products is great for the company, it's a cannibalistic policy for other players in the market. What do you think? Do you think WhatsApp will also be banned eventually? Do you think tech companies need to be policed and regulations need to be put in place? Should the Personal Data Protection Bill be pushed forward and made into law soon? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.---------
The House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to impeach Donald Trump for a second time, owing to his role inviting the mob at Capitol Hill on 6th January. "Today, in a bi-partisan way, the house demonstrated that no one is above the law, not even the President of The United States," Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi said afterwards. Check out the details in this story.
Reliance Retail will exit from the direct sale of packaged food, grocery, and FMCG products. The Kirana stores will sell these products to consumers in their respective neighborhoods. Interesting no? Find out why and how this transfer will happen in this story!