This analysis describes what WhatsApp's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
Undelivered messages remain on WhatsApp's servers in encrypted form for up to 30 days, which defines both the window of attempted delivery and the outer limit of retention.
The updated policy now explicitly states that users may see other types of ads in Status and Channels, reversing prior language indicating WhatsApp had no intention to introduce ads. This represents a shift from the previous position and discloses a change in the advertising model. The policy also adds a new section directing US residents to a separate Regional Privacy Notice where consumer privacy rights under US law are described. Users in the US may wish to review that separate notice to understand their specific privacy rights and any opt-out or data access mechanisms available under applicable state law.
View change record →If a message you send cannot be delivered, WhatsApp holds it in encrypted form for up to 30 days and then permanently deletes it if delivery has not occurred.
How other platforms handle this
ALPR Information is stored for approximately 30 days before it is permanently deleted unless the information is retained for investigative or legal purposes.
We retain your account information for as long as your account is active and up to 15 days thereafter.
The personal information we collect may be stored and processed in your country or region, or in any other country where we or our affiliates, subsidiaries, or vendors maintain facilities.
"If a message cannot be delivered immediately (for example, if the recipient is offline), we keep it in encrypted form on our servers for up to 30 days as we try to deliver it. If a message is still undelivered after 30 days, we delete it.Excerpt from WhatsApp's Privacy Policy
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Undelivered messages remain on WhatsApp's servers in encrypted form for up to 30 days, which defines both the window of attempted delivery and the outer limit of retention.
If a message you send cannot be delivered, WhatsApp holds it in encrypted form for up to 30 days and then permanently deletes it if delivery has not occurred.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 268 platforms. See the full comparison.
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