Srinagar, Jan. 12 -- WhatsApp on Tuesday provided clarification on its recent privacy policy update and stated that the latest change didn't affect the privacy of messages sent to friends and family in any way. The instant messaging platform said it wanted to "address rumours", and that reiterate that it will "continue to protect your private messages with end-to-end encryption.

It said it could not see your private messages or hear your calls. It also emphasised that its parent company Facebook could also not read messages or calls of its users. The new development comes amid public criticism against WhatsApp over its privacy policy update that took place last week and will be applicable from February 8.

We want to address some rumors ...