WhatsApp delays privacy policy update after user backlash

The Facebook-owned messaging application WhatsApp on Friday announced it would delay a planned privacy policy update after receiving negative feedback from users concerned about their private data.

WhatsApp initially said users would have to agree to the new privacy policy by February or be locked out of their accounts.

However, the firm said in a statement it had opted to delay the move after hearing "how much confusion there is around our recent update."

"There's been a lot of misinformation causing concern and we want to help everyone understand our principles and the facts," the company said.

Whatsapp said it would move back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms.

"No one will have their account suspended or deleted on February 8," it said, adding that the update would be gradually rolled out so that people could review the policy "at their own pace."

The planned policy update part of a new messaging feature for businesses with little actual change to the handling of user data.

Rumours had been circulating that WhatsApp planned to share data with Facebook about user call history and other information.

WhatsApp insists user information including location, messaging and calling remains private.