WhatsApp, the world's most popular messaging app, saw a flood of bad publicity in January 2021 as users vowed to switch to another service.

But what's behind the sudden scrutiny? And why are so many people looking for WhatsApp alternatives?

Here we take a look at the events that have so many people threatening to stop using the app...

Why Is WhatsApp Suddenly in the Spotlight?

You've probably seen WhatsApp and its competitors in the headlines recently. The app is planning significant changes in its privacy policy, and not a lot of people are happy about it.

At the beginning of January 2021, WhatsApp announced that it would be updating its privacy policy and terms of service. If you use the app, you probably received a pop-up message in January asking you to accept these new terms and conditions.

Related: Will WhatsApp's Privacy Policy Make You Look for a New Messaging Service?

The most polarizing part of the new privacy policy was an update on how WhatsApp shares data with Facebook, its parent company. If you don't accept this new policy, you will lose access to the app.

This privacy policy change caused many to stop using the app and start looking for Whatsapp alternatives. One of the biggest winners from all this controversy was Signal, a messaging service app that was founded by WhatsApp's former co-founder, Brian Acton.

Signal reported over 17 million new downloads during the first two weeks of January.

Why Is This Different From Past Updates?

Even though WhatsApp has updated its terms and conditions several times in the past, none of these updates has been as controversial as this privacy policy change. In 2016, WhatsApp offered users the option to opt-out of data sharing with Facebook.

However, this time around, you will lose access to the app if you don't agree to the terms and there is no opt-out option.

It's worth mentioning that Whatsapp specified that it wouldn't share any of your messages with Facebook or any other third-party company. Messages will still be encrypted.

That being said, WhatsApp will share other information, such as your IP address, your mobile device information, and even your phone number with Facebook. This information will not only be shared with Facebook, but it's possible that other third-party services may have access to it as well.

How Did Facebook and WhatsApp Respond?

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Because of all the backlash and worldwide disapproval, WhatsApp delayed its new privacy policy. The company said that there is too much "confusion and misinformation" surrounding the changes.

The privacy policy, which was previously set for February 8, 2021, will now be implemented from May 15. Among the new talking points provided by the company, WhatsApp has said that this update is meant to give people more options when they want to contact a business using the app.

The delay is meant to give users more time to review the new privacy policy and to decide if they will accept the terms or not. But with all that said, not much else is changing.

The policy remains the same, and if you don't accept it, WhatsApp will probably prevent you from using the app until you do.

In the meantime, some regional privacy watchdogs have asked Facebook for further clarification over the information it intends to process.

Will You Stop Using WhatsApp?

WhatsApp's update to its privacy policy is clearly concerning for many, especially without the opportunity to opt-out. That's why many people are trying out new messaging apps.

There are many options available out there, but one of the most popular alternatives to consider is Signal—especially if privacy is your major motivation for moving.