WhatsApp to streamline rejection process for service terms updates
WhatsApp reaches agreement with EU on privacy policy changes
WhatsApp has reached an agreement with the European Union following the controversy surrounding its privacy policy change earlier this year. After discussions with the European Commission and EU consumer protection regulators, WhatsApp has agreed to make it easier for users to reject updates to the terms of service. The Meta-owned brand will also provide clear explanations of how rejecting these terms may limit the use of services, according to the Commission. Users will have the option to dismiss notifications about updates and delay reviewing them.
Data sharing and user backlash
The company has confirmed that it is not sharing personal data with other Meta brands, including Facebook, for advertising purposes. Furthermore, WhatsApp is not sharing this data with third parties, as stated by the Commission.
Involvement of the European Commission
The European Commission intervened in January last year in response to allegations of unfair practices, requesting WhatsApp to provide clearer explanations of how it uses people’s data. In June, the Commission also asked WhatsApp to clarify its business model and whether it profits from personal data.
