WhatsApp Delays Policy Update to May 15
The messaging app pushed back the rollout of its terms change after users raised concerns about data sharing with Facebook.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Internet
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WhatsApp has delayed the rollout of its new policy update to May 15, after users worldwide, including in India, criticized the change over concerns that data was being shared with Facebook. The company said no account will be suspended or deleted, and that personal messages are not affected.
Why it matters
India has more than 400 million WhatsApp users, making it one of the platform's largest markets. Many users have moved to rival apps Signal and Telegram in recent days, putting pressure on the service over how it handles user data.
The figures come from WhatsApp's own statements and the 400 million Indian user base cited in the report. The number of users who have actually moved to Signal or Telegram has not been quantified.
The players
WhatsApp is a messaging application owned by Facebook that is one of the most widely used messaging platforms in the world.
Facebook is a social media company that owns WhatsApp and whose data-sharing concerns drove user criticism of the policy update.
The details
WhatsApp said the update adds options to message businesses and that it does not keep logs of who users message or call, does not share contacts with Facebook, and keeps messages end-to-end encrypted. The company will gradually ask users to review the policy at their own pace before the business options launch on May 15.
Timeline
February 8: Original date users were asked to accept the updated terms; WhatsApp said no accounts would be suspended or deleted on that date.
May 15: New business messaging options become available after the delayed rollout.
Roadmap
The delay follows a pattern in which messaging platforms face user backlash whenever data-sharing terms change, with users moving to privacy-focused alternatives like Signal and Telegram. WhatsApp's response, pushing back its rollout while stressing encryption, is an attempt to stop that migration from growing.
Users are not required to act before the new business options launch, and WhatsApp says personal messages are not affected. Anyone worried about data handling can review the updated policy at their own pace before May 15.
The takeaway
Review WhatsApp's updated terms and privacy settings before May 15 if you are concerned about how business messaging affects your data. Personal messages remain end-to-end encrypted according to the company.
What happens next
New business messaging options are scheduled to become available on May 15, when WhatsApp's delayed rollout takes effect.
Further reading
Explore more internet news to see how messaging platforms and privacy policies are changing.
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