A new feature of Whatsapp allows users to download their data

Whatsapp added a new feature to the latest beta that allows users to view and download data collected by the application. This feature, if offered to all users, is an indication that government regulation can limit technology companies' control of our daily lives.

According to the site ABetaInfo observed among the new changes coming to the application of Whatsapp is a new option that allows users to download a copy of the information collected by the app about them, by going to the settings then account then go to the privacy section, then the user can upload his own data.

Why Whatsapp gives more control for users?
Most of the free social networking applications we use today are very popular, collect data for free service, and technology companies do not provide details of their data collection activities to the public if technology companies are not forced to do so, as seems to be the case with The new feature in the Wattab application.

The new feature is currently available in the European General Data Protection (EDB) trial version, which is measured by various EU authorities aimed at enhancing data protection for European citizens, but this may have a significant positive impact on protecting users in other countries.

Companies are also required to provide the data they collect about users, which means that the user will be able to upload, store and export the data as he wishes.

If a user requests a report, they can import it or back up to another service. Whatsapp will collect the report within 20 days and the report will remain available to the user for 30 days.

How does the EU force technology companies to be more transparent?
In addition to users' right to export the data collected about them, technology companies must provide greater transparency with regard to user data generally, through:

- Companies need to be more clear about what type of data they store and how long they want to keep this data, and the user should be able to easily find contact details about individuals responsible for data collection.
- Companies must allow users to customize their privacy settings to enable the highest level of privacy enabled by default.
- Users should be informed in advance about the type of data collected about them and companies need explicit consent to collect and store this data. For children under 13, parents must give consent.
- The user can request that his data be deleted under certain conditions.
Violations of regulations can impose fines of up to $ 1,250,000, or 2 percent of annual revenue.