A viral message on WhatsApp claims that the social messaging app has a new rule that allows it to use delated photos and messages of users. The message also warns that WhatsApp will charge 0.01 euro per message unless you forward the message to 10 people.
The message reads:
“Remember, the new Whatsap rule that allows you to use your photos begins tomorrow! Remember that the deadline is today!!! It can be used in court cases against you. Everything you’ve posted can be posted starting today, even deleted messages. It costs nothing for a simple copy and paste, better safe than sorry. Channel 13 News talked about the change in Whatsap’s privacy policy. I do not authorize Whatsap or any entities associated with Whatsap to use my pictures, information, messages or posts, both past and future. With this statement, I give notice to Whatsap that it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, or take any other action against me based on this profile and/or its contents. The content of this profile is private and confidential information. The violation of privacy can be punished by law (UCC 1-308- 1 1 308-103 and the Rome Statute). NOTE: Whatsap is now a public entity. All members must post a note like this. If you prefer, you can copy and paste this version. If you do not publish a statement at least once it will be tacitly allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in the profile status updates. Whatsap will cost 0.01 euro per message. Send this message to 10 people. When you do, the light will turn blue otherwise, WhatsApp will activate billing.”
The CDD War Room, a fact-checking initiative of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), found that the message is false and has been circulating for years with different variations.
According to a [report](https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/whatsapp-privacy-policy/) by Snopes, a fact-checking website, the message is a hoax that originated from a similar message on Facebook in 2012. The message falsely claimed that Facebook users could protect their privacy rights by posting a legal notice on their profiles. The message also cited the UCC 1-308 and the Rome Statute, which are irrelevant to Facebook’s terms of service and privacy policy.
The message was later adapted to WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, and has been spreading periodically since 2015. The message has also been debunked by other fact-checkers, such as AFP Boom and India Today.
The CDD War Room also found that the message contains several discrepancies that indicate its falsity. For instance, the message spells WhatsApp as “Whatsap” with a single P, which is a common mistake made by scammers. The message also contradicts itself on the deadline date, saying that it is both today and tomorrow. Moreover, the message claims that WhatsApp will charge 0.01 euro per message, which is false as WhatsApp does not charge per message.
The Verdict
The CDD War Room rates the claim that WhatsApp has a new rule that allows it to use your photos and messages as *FALSE* .