European consumer associations file a complaint against WhatsApp | iGeneration

26/03/2022 By gifsauce 929 Views

The European Consumers' Organization (BEUC) has announced that it is filing a complaint against WhatsApp over its new privacy policy. These controversial new terms and conditions are already being reviewed by European data protection authorities for possible breaches of the law.

BEUC is a federation of 46 consumer associations from all over Europe. In a statement, the office explains that “WhatsApp has exerted excessive pressure on its users to accept its new terms of service and privacy policy. However, these conditions are neither transparent nor understandable for users”.

This complaint has two aspects. The first is related to the recurrence and intrusiveness shown by WhatsApp to force the user to accept its new terms of use. The bureau notes that the application puts pressure on the user, which infringes on their freedom of choice. This constitutes a violation of the European directive on unfair commercial practices, according to the association.

Des associations européennes de consommateurs portent plainte contre WhatsApp | iGeneration

The second point concerns the clarity of its new terms of use. According to BEUC, these new rules are opaque and WhatsApp fails to explain the nature of the changes in a clear and understandable way. Above all, it is difficult for the user to understand what these changes bring to the level of the confidentiality of their data and how these will be transferred to Facebook and third-party companies. Monique Goyens, Director General of BEUC, summarizes the situation as follows:

The complaint is now in the hands of the European Commission and national authorities who will decide whether to open an investigation or not.

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