WhatsApp announced the last date i.e. 15^th of May 2021, for the user’s to update their accounts according to the updated privacy policy and terms. The users could have faced deletion of their accounts in case they didn’t accept the update earlier.

In the present scenario, WhatsApp has come up with an announcement in their FAQ section, throwing light on these areas:

• Whether the accounts will still be deleted, if the user does not accept the updated policy and terms?
• What will be the consequences, if the user does not update WhatsApp as of May 15^th?

As per the new announcement made by WhatsApp, the users will not have their accounts deleted or lose functionality of the app as of the 15^th of May.

But, eventually, the reminder to “review and accept” the updated policy will become persistent in users device after 15^th of May. Such “persistent reminder” might cause “limited functionality” on WhatsApp to the user until the user accepts the update.

What will be the implications of not accepting the updates?

Step 1 (Earlier days): Restriction on accessing the chat list.

The user will not be able to access their chat list but they can answer the incoming calls and video calls. 

If the user has enabled notification, they can respond through the notifications.

Step 2 (After few weeks): Restriction on receiving incoming calls or notifications.

After a few weeks of limited functionality, the user will not be able to receive incoming calls or notifications.

Step 3: WhatsApp will stop sending messages and calls to the user’s phone.

Eventually, WhatsApp will restrict sending messages and calls to user’s device.

WhatsApp further mentions that, Such implications will not be faced by all the users at the same time.

Throughout the process, WhatsApp will adhere to its policy related to inactive users. Inactivity means if the user has not connected to WhatsApp, an internet connection is required for an account to be active. Accessing WhatsApp from a device with no internet connection means the account is inactive. Generally, the WhatsApp accounts are deleted after 120 days of inactivity.

WhatsApp points out that, it does not aim to delete user’s account if they choose not to accept the update.