WhatsApp promises to be more transparent about changes in privacy policy updates introduced last year. That is what the European Commission has said.
After WhatsApp changed its terms and conditions in 2021, users became uneasy because people did not understand exactly what they would agree to. Users feared that the messaging service would share data with other social media outlets owned by parent company Meta, such as Facebook and Instagram. According to EU rules, it must be clear at all times what is changing and what the consequences will be.
Supervisors
After discussions with several regulators, including the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), WhatsApp has made commitments. For example, the company will better explain any changes to the app to users and people will have the option to accept or reject those changes.
WhatsApp also confirmed that users’ personal data is not shared with third parties or other Meta companies. “Consumers have the right to understand what they agree with and what that choice entails, so that they can decide whether they want to continue using the platform,” said European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders.
The regulators can also impose sanctions on companies, but ACM does not consider this necessary. In the coming period, it will be monitored whether WhatsApp keeps its promises.
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