How to Disagree/Refuse WhatsApp’s New Privacy Policy If You’ve Already Accepted It? – Is Something Like That Even Possible?

One of the biggest news right now is WhatsApp's decision to change its privacy policy. As you already know, these changes will allow WhatsApp and Facebook to exchange more data, contrary to what their users want and need. With that said, we're sure that many of you have already accepted the new terms without reading them. So, is there a way to disagree or refuse WhatsApp's new policy if you’re already accepted it? 

As you can imagine, that is a very complex legal question – and there are many uncertainties right now. However, we know one thing. WhatsApp says that the new privacy policy will go into effect on May 15, 2021. Unless you accept the new terms, your access to WhatsApp's features will become very limited. So, let's talk about what that means. 

Accepted WhatsApp's New Policy by Mistake? Can You Change Your Mind Now?

In short – no. There's no way to revert to an earlier privacy policy or even to prevent the app from enforcing the new privacy policy. If you wish to continue using WhatsApp, you must accept these changes, as they dictate the way you interact with this software. 

Nothing comes between you and your privacy. Messaging with a business is optional, and their chats are clearly labeled on the app. You are in control.

For more information, please read: https://t.co/55r1Qxv2Wi pic.twitter.com/HswXxRylHo

— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) February 18, 2021

So, if you've already accepted WhatsApp's new privacy policy, there's nothing you can do. And if you haven't yet accepted it, you will be forced to do so after May 15, 2021. With that said, let's review your options if you refuse to accept these new changes to the app. 

Option #1: Delete Your WhatsApp Account

If you feel uncomfortable with WhatsApp's new privacy policy, you have no other way than to delete your account. This will prompt WhatsApp to remove all your data from its servers before May 15, preventing that data from ending up in Facebook's hands.

So, here's how to properly delete your WhatsApp account. 

• Open the WhatsApp app on your smartphone. 
• Tap on 'Settings,' found in the bottom-right corner. 
• Select 'Account' and tap on 'Delete My Account.' 
• You will need to re-enter your phone number. Once you do so, tap on 'Delete My Account.' 
• WhatsApp will ask for your feedback. Tap on 'Next.'
• Finally, confirm your decision by tapping on 'Delete My Account' again. That's it!

Option #2: Abandon Your WhatsApp Account

Of course, you can also choose to simply abandon your WhatsApp account. If you've already accepted the new privacy policy terms, they will start to affect your account and its data on May 15, 2021. Therefore, there's actually nothing you can do – as you've already accepted the new terms. 

Keep in mind that if you decide to abandon your account, WhatsApp will delete it after 120 days of inactivity. Therefore, your account and your data will be wiped from Facebook's servers eventually.

Also, know that abandoning your WhatsApp account won't stop the app's new policy from going into effect. However, it will stop any potential data harvesting done between WhatsApp and Facebook. Still, if you plan on abandoning your account, know that we recommend deleting it instead (as explained above).

Option #3: Switch to a More Privacy-Friendly Chat App

Finally, you can think of these latest developments as an incentive to switch to a new chat app. We've seen this happening across the world, with apps such as Telegram and Signal coming as the best alternatives right now. 

Telegram surpassed 500 million active users. 25 million new users joined in the last 72 hours: 38% came from Asia, 27% from Europe, 21% from Latin America and 8% from MENA. https://t.co/1LptHZb9PQ

— Telegram Messenger (@telegram) January 12, 2021

Both of those apps are designed to safeguard and protect your privacy. They don't collect any personally identifiable information, come free of charge, and allow you to exchange messages and calls. With that said, we highly recommend both Telegram and Signal. 

So, have you already accepted WhatsApp's new privacy policy? Do you plan to continue using the app, or will you switch to an alternative? Let us know in the comments section below.