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WhatsApp Delays Privacy Policy Update in Order to Further Address User Concerns

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whatsapp delays privacy policy update in order to further address user concerns

In a rare deviation from its strategic plan, Facebook has announced that it will delay a planned update to both the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for WhatsApp, after users raised significant concerns as to how the change would impact their personal data and information.

Last week, WhatsApp sent out the below in-app alert to users, which announces a coming update to its ‘terms and privacy policy’, which is mandatory for all users to accept in order to continue using the app.  

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The last point, in particular – ‘How we partner with Facebook to offer integrations across the Facebook Company products’ – sparked concern, with many users taking this to mean that WhatsApp would now begin sharing all of its user data with Facebook.

Which is not correct. As Facebook and its various execs have been working to highlight over the last week, the change in policy and data-sharing only relates to messaging with businesses on WhatsApp, not your personal conversations, which will remain private and encrypted, as has always been the case.

But that clarification seems to have had little effect – in the days following the WhatsApp announcement, alternative messaging apps like Signal, Viber and Telegram saw millions of downloads as users looked to shift their personal discussions out of Facebook’s reach.

The response was so significant that WhatsApp had to publish an official response to clarify, while it also took out full-page newspaper ads in India – where WhatsApp has some 459 million users – to further reiterate that there would be no change to private messaging.

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But still, it seems that users remained unconvinced. And while WhatsApp hasn’t released any data, you’d have to assume that it’s seen a massive decline in usage over the last week, which has now prompted it to delay the planned update by three months.

As explained by WhatsApp:

“We’re now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms. No one will have their account suspended or deleted on February 8. We’re also going to do a lot more to clear up the misinformation around how privacy and security works on WhatsApp. We’ll then go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15.”

Again, given the efforts Facebook has gone to here, you’d have to assume that the backlash has been huge, and its usage numbers have declined rapidly in response. This is an expensive, impactful delay, and the decision to scale back the change could only have come after serious consideration. 

The question then is whether users will switch back – or will those who’ve switched away, in response to the idea that WhatsApp may share data with Facebook, now stay away, as they view this as a potential risk in future?

Which it probably is. Facebook is in the midst of a gradual integration of its messaging apps which will enable users of Instagram Direct, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp to all messaging each other, without each chat participant having to download all three apps. That would theoretically mean that either Direct and Messenger would need to move to full encryption by default, in line with WhatsApp, or that WhatsApp’s messaging security will need to move into line with the other two apps. 

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And either way, the cross-integration will inevitably mean that WhatsApp will be sharing at least some of your private chat data with Facebook’s apps – so if users are switching off of WhatsApp now, in response to that concept, they may well be doing so again in future, if indeed Facebook does go ahead with its full integration plan.

That’ll now be another element for Facebook to factor into its planning – but right now, it’s in damage control mode, and it’s working to reassure WhatsApp users that their data is safe:

“WhatsApp was built on a simple idea: what you share with your friends and family stays between you. This means we will always protect your personal conversations with end-to-end encryption, so that neither WhatsApp nor Facebook can see these private messages. It’s why we don’t keep logs of who everyone’s messaging or calling. We also can’t see your shared location and we don’t share your contacts with Facebook.”

No sharing with Facebook. None. All good. 

Whether it is all good, however, now remains to be seen, and looks set to throw a spanner in the works for Facebook’s next stage. Which could also have implications for its upcoming antitrust suit, depending on how that plays out – though it is likely that the investigation will carry on for many months.

Either way, this a significant turn of events, and a potentially major setback for Facebook’s plans.

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

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This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.” 

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

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“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.

As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.

That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.

Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.

That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.

Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.

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Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.

We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.

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