WhatsApp is further delaying the application of its new privacy rules

The wind of the ball is always close for WhatsApp.

Facebook's messaging service on Friday announced a further postponement of strict enforcement of new privacy rules, accused by critics of expanding data collection from its two billion users.

A new regulation that has scared millions of users away for several months.

The Californian company had already postponed by three months, to May 15, the implementation for all users of the new WhatsApp terms of use in the face of an outcry from some users, worried about the messaging service not sharing more data with its parent company Facebook.

WhatsApp said on its site on Friday that it would not directly cut off access to users refusing the new terms but would continue to send them reminders.

Disagree, less features

According to the platform, the new rules change the way advertisers using WhatsApp to communicate with their customers can share data with Facebook.

But for its critics, such a change opens the door to wider data sharing with Facebook.

"No one will see their accounts deleted or lose the ability to use WhatsApp on May 15 due to this update," assured the platform on Friday. But users will receive "persistent" reminders about the new policy and risk losing some functionality over time if they do not agree to the new terms.

This will allow them to continue receiving audio and video calls for a while without being able to access their message list. After several weeks, they will no longer be able to receive messages and calls. This snag on WhatsApp's privacy policy has been described by Facebook as a misunderstanding of efforts to bring businesses to the platform. But it illustrates the ongoing concerns surrounding the tech giant's privacy and data protection policies.