Tata Steel issues advisory, asking not to share sensitive information on WhatsApp
WhatsApp users are being prompted to agree to a new privacy policy that will basically hand over some of its data to Facebook. The new privacy policy will take effect on February 8, 2021. On that date, the only option WhatsApp users will have is to either agree or stop using the service altogether.
Though, WhatsApp, the messaging giant owned by Facebook, said its new privacy update will not impact how people communicate privately with friends and family wherever they are in the world. The update will make it easier for people to make purchases and get help from businesses on the messaging platform, a company spokesperson said on Friday.
“The update does not change WhatsApp’s data-sharing practices with Facebook and WhatsApp remains deeply committed to protecting people’s privacy,” the spokesperson added.
But, according to recent reports, both national and multinational companies in India have started issuing advisories to their employees, advising them to curtail sharing sensitive information on WhatsApp. The companies have also asked their employees to avoid using the messaging app for important business calls.
According to an Economic Times report, Tata Steel has urged staff not to post important corporate matters or conduct business meetings on the platform,“ According to the new policy, WhatsApp will be integrated with Facebook and Instagram with possible exchange and sharing of data among these platforms… We strongly advise the use of Microsoft Office 365 facilities and Teams for official communication,” stated Mrinal Kanti Pal, Chief of cloud infrastructure, network, and cybersecurity at Tata Steel.
Notably, the parliamentary committee on information technology, which is expected to meet Monday on 5G, could discuss the WhatsApp privacy update, said people familiar with the matter.
