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WhatsApp is pushing ahead with controversial changes to its terms of service, but altering the way it notifies users following a backlash.
After its first announcement in January, millions of users downloaded apps from WhatsApp’s competitors.
The Facebook-owned platform previously said it had been the victim of “misinformation” around the change.
But WhatsApp now says it has “reflected” on how it could have explained the changes better.
The phrasing of the warning in the initial push led to widespread fears that it was going to share large amounts of WhatsApp data with Facebook.
In reality, very little had changed in that area – and almost all users had previously accepted the type of data sharing involved.
As part of its second attempt to convince users, WhatsApp will begin displaying a banner alert within the app in the coming weeks.
It encourages users to learn more about the update and what is – and is not – changing.
Messages informing users of the update will also be displayed in the status section of the app.
Down to business
WhatsApp says the data it shares with its parent company does not include messages, groups or call logs.
Instead, it says the new terms focus on changes to allow users to message businesses.
WhatsApp already shares information with Facebook, such as your IP address and information about your phone, as well as purchases made via the platform.
However this does not apply in Europe and the UK, where different privacy laws exist.
“We’ve reflected on what we could have done better here,” the company said.
“We want everyone to know our history of defending end-to-end encryption, and trust we’re committed to protecting people’s privacy and security.”
It also said it will “be doing much more” to be clear about changes in the future.
In January, government officials in India asked the messaging giant to withdraw its planned changes.
The country is currently WhatsApp’s largest market with more than 340 million users.