Request Account Info Feature In WhatsApp
Facebook owned WhatsApp has enabled request account information feature on its app to comply with European Union’s new privacy policy rules which had come into effect since May. According EU’s new policy states that the users have all rights to download their data and transfer it where they want. At first WhatsApp parent company Facebook has started this request account information feature for their users and this feature is present in Instagram too.
WhatsApp is so deeply concern about user’s privacy and security. Every messages and calls are secured by end-to-end encryption, therefore even WhatsApp cannot read users chats and listen their calls. This new feature enables you to download and the see the data which has been collected by WhatsApp.
WhatsApp while updating its privacy policy they stated that they do not share any user’s information with their parent company Facebook. WhatsApp only shares the account information to improve user’sproduct and ad experience on Facebook. They stated that they want work closer with Facebook companies in future to develop some more plans.
The feature request information in WhatsApp which is allowing users to request and export a report of their account information and settings, such as contacts, profile photos, and other which can be accessed and ported to other apps. The report does not include users’ messages because you cannot export the chat history to your mail.
This feature is now in only Android beta users. To use this feature, you need to be WhatsApp beta tester and you must have the WhatsApp updated app (v2.18.128) installed in your device.
Steps To Use Request Account Info Feature
- Open settings in WhatsApp, it is available in the three-dotted menu button at the top right corner.
- Once you are there go to account. You will get request account info option, now tap on the request report option.
- Once you tap on the option screen should display message that the request has been sent.
WhatsApp says that your report will be available roughly after 3 days from the date you requested. In my experience, I have received it within an hour. Users can refer to the read by date when waiting for their report. Actions such as changing your number or handset or deleting account or re-registering your account, will cancel the request you have made.
When the report is ready WhatsApp sends you a notification to your device. Also, the info shows how much time you have left to download the report before WhatsApp deletes it from its server.
To download your report, go to Settings > Account> Request account info > Download Report.
This will automatically download a zip file in your handset. The file contains an HTML file which easy to read. Once the report is downloaded then users need to select Export report, as you cannot view the report within the WhatsApp. You need export the report to any third-party app. You can delete permanently the downloaded file, but it will never delete any of your WhatsApp account’s data.
