WhatsApp: EU Commission is urging messenger service to comply with EU consumer protection law

Created: 06/10/2022 11:21 am

By: Stella Henrich

The EU Commission does not consider WhatsApp's amended data protection guidelines to be compatible with EU consumer protection law.

They are confusing for users.

That should change now.

Munich – The EU Commission is trying to create clarity and is now giving the messenger service an ultimatum.

Together with the consumer protection authority CPC, WhatsApp was asked to adapt the terms of use.

These are confusing and incomprehensible.

Users must be able to clearly see what is happening with their data.

In particular, it must be made clear whether income would be generated with the user data.

This emerges from a letter from the EU Commission.

“WhatsApp needs to ensure that users understand what they consent to and how their personal data will be used for commercial purposes, in particular to provide services to trading partners.

I reiterate that I expect WhatsApp to fully comply with EU rules protecting consumers and their fundamental rights," said EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders in the letter.

The Commission had already explained concerns in a letter to WhatsApp in January.

"In response, WhatsApp showed that it provides users with the necessary information about these updates, including through in-app notifications or through its helpdesk," says the website of the German representation of the EU Commission.

However, the information is considered insufficient and confusing for users.

WhatsApp: Irish authorities punish messenger service with a fine of 225 million euros

But the discussion about the conditions of WhatsApp goes back further.

The impetus came from the new data protection regulations in May 2021. The Irish data protection authority DPC has already sentenced the messenger service to a fine of 225 million euros because it was not explained transparently enough how the data exchange between WhatsApp and Facebook works.

Whereupon the US company announced that it would take legal action against the fine notice.

EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders wants to clarify EU data protection rights.

(Iconic image) © Valeria Mongelli/imago

Didier Reynders specifically wants to clarify several points with WhatsApp:

• Are consumers being informed sufficiently clearly about the consequences of their decision to accept or reject the company's new terms of service?

• Are WhatsApp's in-app notifications asking consumers to accept the new terms and privacy policy appropriate?

• Do consumers have enough opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new conditions before accepting them?

• The company will also be asked to indicate whether it generates any revenue related to the user data.

also read

Asparagus madness: Farmers let the harvest drive out – “You should be ashamed”

Sunflower oil is out?

The ideal replacement can be found in every refrigerated counter - for less than one euro

WhatsApp now has one month to demonstrate to consumer protection authorities that its practices comply with EU consumer law.

Stay up to date on consumer information and product recalls with our brand new consumer newsletter.