BY: Habeeb Adisa

A message circulating widely on WhatsApp claims that a new policy will allow WhatsApp to use users’ photos, messages, and personal information without their consent unless they copy and share a legal notice. The message also falsely claims WhatsApp will begin charging users per message and that forwarding the message to 10 people or groups will keep the service free. FactCheckAfrica investigated the claims.

Claim:

A viral WhatsApp message claims that:

• A new WhatsApp rule will take effect “tomorrow,” allowing the platform to use users’ photos, messages, and deleted content without their permission.
• Copying and reposting a legal disclaimer will prevent WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram from using users’ data.
• Sharing the message to 10 groups will display a sign proving the account is protected.
• WhatsApp will begin charging users 0.01 per message unless they forward the message to at least 10 contacts, after which their logo will turn blue to indicate free usage.

Verdict: FALSE

Full Text:

The viral message, which has circulated in different versions for several years, reads in part:

“I do not give WhatsApp or any organisation associated with WhatsApp, such as Facebook and Instagram, permission to use my images, information, messages, photos, deleted messages, files, etc… Please share it in 10 groups… your phone is protected… On Saturday, WhatsApp will start charging… send this message to 10 people and your logo will turn blue.”

Verification:

To verify the...

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