Following the uproar over planned early 2021 privacy policy change, WhatsApp and the European Union have reached an understanding. Following consultations with EU consumer protection authorities and the European Commission, WhatsApp will make it simpler for users to reject changes to the terms of service.
According to the Commission, the Meta-owned brand would also “clearly explain” when rejecting those terms will restrict use of services. Also, people have the option of disabling notifications for these updates and delaying their evaluation.
The business added that it doesn’t share customer information with other Meta companies, like Facebook, for marketing purposes. The Commission claims that it is not also disclosing the information to outside parties.
When WhatsApp invited users to share data, including connection information and transactions, with related businesses like Facebook as part of its new privacy policy at the beginning of 2021, there was a backlash. While little changed for users, some saw this as an indication that WhatsApp and Facebook were exchanging messages and calls.
This led to a large migration to rival secure messaging platforms like Signal and Telegram. WhatsApp tried to convince users that it couldn’t access the end-to-end encrypted communications, but the uproar caused the firm to suspend the policy implementation.
When it did reintroduce the new terms, it clarified them while also stating that if users didn’t accept them, the service will progressively stop functioning.
Must Check Out:
- Microsoft Provides Free Access To Outlook For Mac
- The Newest Autonomous Robot From Honda Is Made To Move Objects Around Work Sites
In response to claims of unfair practises, the European Commission intervened in January of last year and asked WhatsApp to provide more details about how it utilises users’ data. In June of last year, it also requested WhatsApp to provide a more detailed explanation of its business strategy and any data-related profits.
We’ve gotten a response from Meta. With forthcoming regulatory revisions, the Commission’s Consumer Protection Cooperation Network intends to “actively monitor” WhatsApp’s implementation of these assurances. Fines and other penalties could be imposed for any infractions.
However, the chat giant isn’t the only one under investigation. The Commission claims that it is still on the lookout for “dark patterns”—those that unjustly attempt to persuade consumers to accept subscriptions, rule changes, or other unwelcome features. Be prepared for additional deals similar to WhatsApp’s in the coming future.
Follow our website americantechjournal.com for more related articles and news.
