WhatsApp to Restrict Users Who Don’t Accept New T&Cs, As Instagram & Messenger Get Exciting Updates

The world’s third biggest social media platform, WhatsApp, has sounded some good news for WhatsApp users that is sure to tickle or prickle the ears of its myriads of customers.

The messaging app has decided to backtrack on the application of its new terms of service and proposed blockage of those who would not accept them. Its parent company, Facebook, has indeed indicated that it will not kick off users from its platform on May 15 as earlier planned for those who refuse its new policy or delete their account.

The announcement of these blockage, which were to come into effect on May 15, caused an outcry on the web, causing an exodus of WhatsApp users to the Signal messaging application.

User protests have now pushed Facebook to review its plans and especially to postpone the entry into force of the new WhatsApp terms of use which allowed the messaging app to share information about its users with its parent company.

“On May 15, WhatsApp will continue to function normally and no one will see their account deleted following this update, ” assured the official statement on its website .

However, there is still a catch.

The messaging app will send persistent reminders to its users on a regular basis so that they eventually agree to its terms of service. The application also warns that after a certain time, users who still have not accepted its conditions will no longer be able to take full advantage of its features.

They will still be able to answer incoming phone and video calls, as well as messages by tapping on notifications received, but they will no longer be able to access their discussion list.

Subsequently too, after a few weeks, users will eventually no longer be able to respond to incoming calls or notifications of received messages. Primarily, WhatsApp will no longer work for them with them becoming bereft of new features of the app.

In the long run, this process could be detrimental for both parties, as it could again push many users to other messaging applications that are more respectful of privacy, simply less restrictive and ready with open arms.

New features for Messenger and Instagram

It’s not all gloom and threats from the stables of Mark Zuckerberg’s firm, as positive news have tingled the ears of WhatsApp sister apps, Instagram and Messenger.

Facebook has just rolled out some cool updates for Instagram and Messenger. On the menu, we find new themes and stickers, a hands-free mode for audio messages, improved archiving and voice message functions.

This fresh update puts the interests of Fans of films and series have been put into practical consideration. From now on, it is possible to customize your Messenger feed or your Instagram DMs with a Star Wars or Selena: the series theme.

This feature, which is not yet available on Android, can be activated in the settings of these two chats. To do this, just go to the options and click on “Theme”.

Another feature now allows you to personalize your conversations with new stickers celebrating Asians and Pacific Islanders (APIs). Available on Messenger and also Messenger Kids, they were created to educate different audiences about issues facing this community. A guide has even been created to help parents discuss this topic with their children.

Facebook further improves its user experience

Facebook continues to optimize Instagram Direct and Messenger, in particular by trying to reduce the anxiety that some people may feel while waiting for answers from their interlocutors. From now on, a text lets you know the status of the message: read, received or awaiting reception.

For those who like to send visual replies on Instagram, it is now possible to reply with a photo or video, by clicking on the camera icon. Unfortunately, this exciting option is currently only available on iOS.

In addition, if you too are tired of keeping the button pressed when recording voicemail messages on Messenger, it will delight you to know that a hands-free option has been developed. One click and the recording is locked. Isn’t life beautiful? ☺

And since good news never comes alone, Facebook has also improved archiving on Messenger. If you want to tidy up your messaging, you can move the conversations you want to an “Archived Discussions” folder, with a simple swipe to the left. This process doesn’t threaten your data, as your conversation history will not be affected.