MPF demands R1.7 billion fine from WhatsApp for violating user rights

The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) is suing WhatsApp Changes to Messenger’s privacy policy that would violate user rights in BrazilIn the action opened on Tuesday (16) in partnership with the Consumer Protection Institute (Idec), R$1.7 billion in compensation.

According to the process, Meta’s messaging application could not adequately present the changes in its privacy policy announced in 2021. For this reason, Those using the service would have to comply with the new standards without knowing exactly what they were about.

Again, according to the MPF, the changes were presented in a “brief and general” manner and the following information was given: The user must accept these at the risk of being blocked on WhatsAppAt that time, the new conditions caused many discussions.

By accepting this, the user has authorized himself data shared with other Meta platforms including Facebook and Instagramfor personalized ad serving as highlighted in the action. Name, profile photo, contact list, location and mobile phone model are some of the information collected.

Fines imposed in Europe

Claim for compensation under the MPF: Based on amounts received from WhatsApp in Europefor similar reasons. The platform was fined 230.5 million euros between 2021 and 2023, equivalent to R$ 1.3 billion at the current rate applied by the European Union.

The justification for the sanctions was as follows: Deficiencies and illegalities in Messenger’s privacy policiesThe penalties continued even after Meta’s appeal, expanding the possibility of sharing personal information for users residing on the continent.

If the request is accepted by the Federal Court, the amount of the penalty will be allocated to the Fund for the Defense of Popular Rights (FDD). In addition to compensation, The process also calls for WhatsApp to be forced to immediately stop sharing data with other major tech companies..

Company Not yet revealed Regarding the lawsuit filed by MPF and Idec.