In discussions with EU consumer protection authorities and the EU Commission, WhatsApp has declared that it will adapt its business policy to European law. One of the consequences: WhatsApp should no longer be allowed to put users under pressure with updates and terms of use that are difficult to understand.
In general, the aim of the agreement is for WhatsApp users to have more control in line with EU requirements. In the future, the messenger service wants to provide transparent information about the plans in the event of changes to the terms of use and describe to users how the changes affect their rights.
Options for accepting and rejecting the terms of use should be displayed on an equal footing. In this context, it should also be clear when rejecting the update means that users can no longer use the messenger. In general, WhatsApp should not put users under pressure with updates.
EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders welcomes WhatsApp's commitments. “Consumers have a right to understand what they agree to and what that means in concrete terms – so that they can decide whether they want to continue using the platform,” said Reynders, according to the communication from the EU Commission.
Years of dispute over the exchange of user data
The agreement was reached with the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC), an association of European consumer protection authorities.
The CPC network became active for the first time in January 2022. Unfair practices in updating usage and data protection regulations were criticized. This was preceded by the dispute over ultimatums that WhatsApp had made for updates. In June 2022, criticism of the lack of information about the business model followed. In this regard, it is particularly important whether user data is used commercially.
Because of the lack of information about the business model, WhatsApp was sentenced to a GDPR fine of 225 million euros in 2021. Clarity has therefore now also been achieved in the current agreement. WhatsApp confirmed not to pass on personal data for advertising purposes.