Facebook-owned chat app WhatsApp on Wednesday uploaded a status on its users’ devices, a move that caught many by surprise with some users expressing concerns over their privacy.
The company explained that it would use its status to show users the latest updates and features on the app.
“Whatsapp is now on Status! We’ll let you know about new features and updates here,” one of the statuses read.
In one of the statuses, the App also assured users of their privacy.
“One thing that isn’t new is our commitment to privacy.” the next slide said. “Whatsapp can’t read or listen to your personal conversations as they are end-to-end encrypted,” it added.
The Status features were introduced back in early 2017. It is a remake of Snapchat’s Stories features, which Facebook has since cloned for its apps, among other big applications such as LinkedIn and recently, Twitter (Fleets).
WhatsApp launched the status update after its controversial privacy update that reportedly made it lose millions of users to Signal and Telegram.
Reacting, Nigerians on social media expressed worry over the messaging App’s new move, lamenting that they were unable to also mute the App’s status.
“WhatsApp: Invades your privacy by joining Status without your consent just to let you know that they care about your privacy. How Genius!”
