Who will be disconnected from WhatsApp - briefly?
Starting May 15, 2023, users of older smartphones running on Android versions before 4.0.3, iOS 9, and KaiOS 2.5.0 or earlier will be unable to use WhatsApp. These devices are no longer supported by the app due to their outdated software, which cannot meet the security and performance requirements of modern communication platforms.
Who will be disconnected from WhatsApp - in detail?
In January 2021, WhatsApp announced significant changes to its privacy policy and terms of service, which sparked widespread concern among users about potential disconnections. The primary focus of these updates is on enhancing business interactions within the app, particularly through the WhatsApp Business API. This shift in functionality has led many users to question whether they will be affected by these changes.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that the core functionality of WhatsApp for personal communication remains unchanged. Users who engage primarily in one-on-one or group messaging with friends and family will not experience any disruptions in service. The updates are primarily directed towards businesses and organizations that use WhatsApp for customer support, marketing, and other commercial purposes.
Businesses utilizing the WhatsApp Business API may encounter changes in how data is handled and shared with Facebook, which owns WhatsApp. These enterprises will need to comply with new data-sharing practices if they wish to continue using the platform for their operations. Failure to adhere to these updated policies could potentially lead to disconnection from the service. However, it is important to note that this does not affect individual users in any way.
Moreover, users who do not interact with businesses or do not use features like shopping through WhatsApp will also remain unaffected by the policy changes. The primary objective of these updates is to streamline and enhance business-to-consumer communication, thereby improving the overall user experience for those engaged in commercial interactions on the platform.
In summary, the vast majority of WhatsApp users will not be disconnected from the service as a result of the recent policy changes. The updates are primarily targeted at businesses and organizations that use WhatsApp for commercial purposes. Individual users who engage in personal communication through the app can continue to do so without any interruptions or concerns about being disconnected.