WhatsApp Updates Its Privacy Policy Ahead of Payments Launch in India

WhatsApp is undoubtedly the biggest instant-messaging app right now, with billions of users. In fact, the app now offers a lot in a single package, allowing users to make voice or video calls and even posts statuses. However, with the introduction of UPI in the country, WhatsApp had allowed users to transfer money to their friends and family using WhatsApp. Now, with the official launch in near sight, the company has reportedly announced a couple of changes to its privacy policy.

As per recent reports, WhatsApp is updating its terms of service and privacy policy to “reflect the addition of payment interoperability features” ahead of the full-fledged launch of their WhatsApp payments services.

“We’ll be updating our WhatsApp payments Terms of Service and Privacy Policy to provide simpler language on how the payments feature operates. It also reflects the addition of payment interoperability features we’ve added since the beta started. We still do not have a launch date but this terms and policy update brings us one step closer to full launch.”

As part of the updated terms, WhatsApp said it may collect additional information when payments service is used, which reflects in the new privacy policy changes.

“We’ve added new features like interoperability that request additional information (related to) WhatsApp payments user and user of any BHIM UPI-enabled app.”

Additionally, WhatsApp collects information “when you send, receive, or request a payment, including the date and time and reference transaction number”. Also, when someone pays a WhatsApp contact, the company collects the sender and receiver’s names and BHIM UPI IDs. Furthermore, the company states that it uses “all the information we have to operate, provide, improve, understand, customize, support, and market our services.”

“This includes using the information to provide payments and customer support, to protect you and others using our services from fraud, abuse, or other misconduct, and to review your account activity to determine whether you continue to meet our Terms and Payments Terms”

WhatsApp Payments services are currently being tested by almost a million Indian users. As of now, there is no clear date when WhatsApp will launch the stable full-fledged version of the