WhatsApp has taken an important step to make its work transparent in the European Union.. As reported by the European Commission, the messaging app promises to be more understandable with changes to its terms.
The decision was made after controversy caused by changes made in 2021 that users had to accept. That caused dissatisfaction not only with the public, but also with regulators. To the point that European bloc authorities issued an ultimatum to WhatsApp in 2022 demanding that it clarify its privacy policy to make sure it does not violate the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
“The company will make it easy for users to opt out of updates if they do not agree with them, and will clearly explain when said opt-out means that the user can no longer use WhatsApp services,” the European Commission said. In addition, from the messaging app, they confirmed that the personal data of its users not passed on to third parties for advertising purposes. Even with Meta, its parent company.
In this way, WhatsApp intends to close the controversy that arose during 2021, which caused a significant backlash around the world. In January of that year, the platform changed its privacy policy to basically integrate all of its users’ data with Facebook. The scope was so wide that, with the exception of conversations, Menlo Park residents will have access to every way a person interacts with the messaging app..
The change was so aggressive that if they don’t accept the new terms, users will lose access to their WhatsApp account. The outrage was immediate and forced the Met to withdraw and implement some exceptions. Nevertheless, could never get rid of the bad publicity for the original joke.
WhatsApp will become more transparent in Europe
WhatsApp’s commitment to greater transparency with the European Commission will be reflected in three actions. First of all, you will have to explain, clearly and in simple language, what changes you intend to apply to your conditionsand how they might affect users.
Except, will include the option to reject your new policies. But not only that, as the reject “button” needs to be just as visible and visible as the accept button. And finally, it will allow dismiss notifications communicate updates to their policies and even postpone their consideration.
The European Commission noted the desire of WhatsApp to make its work transparent to users. “Consumers have the right to know what they are agreeing to and what exactly that choice entails so they can decide if they want to continue using the platform,” he said. Didier ReindersEuropean Commissioner for Justice.
Undoubtedly, WhatsApp’s commitment to comply with European regulations and user privacy smooth out differences between the parties. Let’s not forget that in November 2021, the messaging app was fined €225 million by Ireland for refusing to disclose what personal data it shared with Facebook and how many users it affected.
Source: Hiper Textual
I’m Ben Stock, a highly experienced and passionate journalist with a career in the news industry spanning more than 10 years. I specialize in writing content for websites, including researching and interviewing sources to produce engaging articles. My current role is as an author at Gadget Onus, where I mainly cover the mobile section.
