The EU gives WhatsApp an ultimatum: users must be clearly informed of how their data is used

On January 27, the European Commission reportedly announced today that WhatsApp, a messaging app owned by Meta (Facebook), must clarify some recent changes to its terms of service and privacy policy within a month to ensure compliance with the EU's consumer protection laws.

Previously, the European Commission had said it was concerned about consumers lacking clear information on the consequences of their decision to accept or reject WhatsApp's new terms of service.

European Union Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said in a statement today: "WhatsApp must ensure that users understand what they have consented to and how their personal data is being used, such as where it is shared with business partners." WhatsApp must make a specific commitment to us by the end of February on how it will address our concerns. ”

Last September, WhatsApp imposed a record €225 million ($266 million) fine on WhatsApp at the European Union's main regulator, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), for not being transparent enough about sharing personal data.

Last January, WhatsApp released a new version of its privacy policy and said it would share more details of user data and platform interactions with its parent company, Meta. The move was opposed by many users.

In July, the European consumer group BEUC complained to the European Commission about WhatsApp, saying WhatsApp failed to explain in plain language how the new version of the privacy policy differed from the old version. It's hard for consumers to understand how changes to WhatsApp's privacy policy will affect their privacy.

Under EU consumer law, businesses must use clear and transparent contractual clauses and business communications. So WhatsApp's ambiguous approach violates EU consumer protection laws.