Exit WhatsApp

 Yes, I have finally done that. I have exited WhatsApp.

My association with this messaging app was for about 7 years. No, this is not the proverbial seven year itch. The recent announcement by WhatsApp that it has changed its privacy policy to reveal some more information about me doesn't sit well with me.

I am not paranoid about my privacy. I don't have anything to hide. I don't have anything of value that is lucrative enough for hackers. But what I don't like are dual standards adopted by the messaging app where for India the changed policy would be applicable effective May 15 (and where we don't have an option for an "opt out"). Whereas this policy is not going to be implemented in Europe. Are we lesser beings? Someone mentioned that Europe has tighter regulatory framework and that is why. Others said why are you bothering as if other apps don't collect and share your data. They may, but since I don't know if they do or don't, I can't be bothered.

I understand that Signal offers better security (whatever that may mean) and I intend to migrate to that app for my instant messaging.

Next in line is removing all my messages, replies and likes from Facebook and deleting my account with the parent organisation also to complete the circle. Twitter would likely follow.

When a close friend exited our WhatsApp group a couple of months back, I asked him a few weeks later if he has any "withdrawal symptoms". He said he had that for a couple of days, but later found out that he is saving about an hour or more per day by not having WhatsApp and not looking at various messages that get loaded. Messages that most of us cannot ignore; messages that are mostly forwards; messages that we can avoid in our day to day life. Finally, messages that I too contribute by forwarding many each day!