Tech tips: Here’s how to download your WhatsApp dataTech tips: Here’s how to download your WhatsApp data
WhatsApp has updated its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, thanks to European Union’s new data privacy rules. EU’s new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), that come into effect on May 25, allows users to download their data and transfer it. Facebook and Instagram already have a feature to request account information for their users.
The Facebook-owned chat app is giving more power to its users by bringing in more transparency in its data sharing policy. The chat app, in a blog post, announced a new feature that allows user to download WhatsApp data from its server.
“In the coming weeks, you will be able to see and download your WhatsApp account information and settings. This feature, Request Account Info, will be rolling out to all users around the world on the newest version of the app,” notes the blog post. However, it is important to note that this new feature does not include your chat history. The Request report feature cover information like your profile photo and group names.
WhatsApp says that your report will be available approximately 3 days after the date requested.. WhatsApp clearly states that actions like deleting your account, changing your number or device or re-registering your account, if done while your request is pending, will cancel your request.
So how do you access this new feature. Please note that this feature is still in beta phase and will be gradually rolled out to all users. So here is a quick guide on how to use this feature.
1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Now tap on Account.
4. You will see a Request account info option. Tap on it
5. When you tap on Request report, it will give you the date by which you your report will be readied. You will be given few weeks to download your report after it is available.
The report can be downloaded in your phone. You can also permanently delete the downloaded copy from your phone. Deleting the report will not delete any of your account’s data.
