Consumer organizations complained Monday that WhatsApp’s promises to be more transparent about privacy policy changes were insufficient, while the European Union praised the messaging service’s pledges.
Started negotiations with the European Union WhatsAppFacebook is owned by parent Meta, following a complaint by the European Consumer Organization (BEUC) in 2021 about changes to its terms of use. Privacy Policy.
The European Commission, the European Union’s executive arm, said on Monday that WhatsApp has agreed to make it easier for users to reject updates they don’t agree with and to ensure that an update Rejecting a date means that users can no longer use the app.
WhatsApp also promised that users’ personal data would not be shared with third parties or other Meta-owned companies, including FacebookFor advertising purposes.
BEUC, which represents 46 independent consumer organizations in 32 countries, described the pledges as “disappointing for consumers”.
BEUC pointed to the fact that WhatsApp’s promises only apply to future changes and do not offer any solutions to users. WHO Accepts app policy updates in 2021.
BEUC Deputy Director General Ursula Pichal said, “With this weak response, consumer authorities are sending a very worrying signal that they are accepting that a tech company like WhatsApp can violate consumer rights and then the future. I can get away with promising to do better.”
BEUC also said the EU did not address the main points of its complaint, WhatsApp’s “aggressive” behavior and lack of remedies for users under pressure.
The Commission said the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) will monitor how WhatsApp implements the commitments when updating any policy in the future.
The CPC will “enforce compliance, where necessary”, including the possibility of fines.
EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said users have the right to understand what they are agreeing to and what that choice entails, so they can decide whether they want to continue using the platform. are
Meta did not comment on the commission’s announcement.
In September 2021, Irish regulators hit WhatsApp with a 225-million-euro ($240-million) fine for violating EU laws on data privacy.
And in January this year, regulators fined WhatsApp 5.5 million euros for violating Europe’s landmark General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
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