News

WhatsApp Explains What Will Happen When Users Don’t Accept Its Privacy Changes

Published

4 years ago

March 2, 2021

whatsapp explains what will happen when users don't accept its privacy changes

WhatsApp’s updated Privacy Policy has been causing a lot of anger and confusion among the Facebook-owned instant messaging and voice-over-IP service since it has been released on January 4. Now, WhatsApp has finally explained what will happen to users who don’t accept it.

The new Privacy Policy states, among other things, that WhatsApp receives information from other Facebook companies and provides information to other Facebook companies.

“We may use the information we receive from them, and they may use the information we share with them, to help operate, provide, improve, understand, customize, support, and market our Services and their offerings, including the Facebook Company Products.”

TechCrunch was the first to reveal that WhatsApp plans to give users some time to review the changes before forcing them to make a decision whether to accept it or not. A newly created FAQ page makes it clear that users have until May 15 to accept the Privacy Policy updates.

Those who fail to meet the deadline won’t lose their WhatsApp account, but they won’t be able to use it to its full extend either. Instead, they will only be able to receive calls and notifications — not actually read or send messages from the app.

The accounts of users who don’t accept after May 15 will be considered to be inactive, which automatically triggers a 120-day countdown to account deletion. Once deleted, WhatsApp accounts can’t be restored.

Also Read: Spotify Is Now Available In 80+ Additional Countries

If you don’t want to accept the new Privacy Policy and allow WhatsApp to share your personal information with other Facebook companies, your best bet is to use an alternative instant messaging and voice-over-IP service.

For example, Telegram makes it possible for users to easily migrate their chat history from WhatsApp, and it has a far more user-respecting Privacy Policy to boot. Other WhatsApp alternatives worth considering include Signal, Viber, Discord, and Threema, just to name a few.

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

16 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.