From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja


The Federal Government has warned Nigerians to be wary of the new WhatsApp messenger privacy policy to avoid unpalatable consequences.

WhatsApp shared a reviewed privacy policy on January 4, informing users outside the European Union that it would now share their information with Facebook and its sister companies following the acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook in 2014.

Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relation, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Hadiza Umar, in a statement, yesterday, said in a bid to understand the issues and address the growing concerns of Nigerians, NITDA in collaboration with African Network of Data Protection Authorities, confronted global policy officials of Facebook Incorporated, owners of WhatsApp platform, about the new privacy policy.

“The Facebook team confirmed that private messages shared on WhatsApp consumer version are encrypted and not seen by the company. But the metadata (data about the usage of the service) which is also personal information is shared with other members of the Facebook Group.”

She said as a result, Nigerians are advised to explore other available platforms with similar functionalities, but tighter privacy policies and security.

“They should limit the sharing of sensitive personal information on private messaging and social media platforms as the initial promise of privacy and security is now being overridden on the bases of business exigency. To improve compliance with the NDPR, we have also raised concerns as to the marked difference between the privacy standard applicable in Europe, under the GDPR and the rest of the world.”

yomicbobo:
Something they couldn't try in the EU they brought it here and all our government is saying is we should look for alternatives

ogmask:
If they couldnt implement the policy in the EU why bring it to Africa. The time has come for Africans to start looking at ways of using alternative platforms and possibly encourage our tech guys to come up with unique models that can compete globally.

Joel3:
What stop Nigerians from Developing there own whatsapp that can go globally.

Facebook is looking for what to generate revenue from whatsapp. Since the bought WhatsApp they have been looking possible ways to make money from it's. But I think the step they are taking is the wrong time.

Instead of free whatsapp they should collect money from subscription. Sharing data with facebook is a no go area as it doesn't make any sense. I have read the policy several times and it doesn't make any sense.

Whatsapp is going to lose many subscribers for this move.

TechWows:
Have you taken Covid Vaccine? Get a small magnet and put it on the spot, it sticks to the spot. Such Humans to be controlled by demonic machines. Like if you have seen the Video evidences or if you have tried a tiny magnet on yours too.