‘WhatsApp is facing a mega GDPR fine’
The European users of WhatsApp are insufficiently informed about how the data is used. For that reason, WhatsApp is guilty of violating the GDPR regulations. As a result, a mega fine hangs over the head of parent company Facebook.
Mega fine for WhatsApp
Three anonymous sources who would be aware of a procedure of the European Union report that WhatsApp is facing a mega fine. The fine would be because WhatsApp is not transparent enough about how the data of its users is processed. The amount of the fine is still being discussed with various regulators in Europe. The amount is said to be between 30 and 50 million euros. A final ruling is to follow later this year, but it is unknown exactly when.
At the moment, the privacy watchdog in Ireland has issued an initial proposal. For example, the Dutch Data Protection Authority can provide feedback on this. The reason Ireland has taken the lead in this is because within Europe WhatsApp is based in Ireland. In November, Facebook announced that it has already set aside 77.5 million euros for a possible fine for violating the GDPR rules. These regulations have been in force since 2018. In an article we answer the question ‘What is the GDPR?’.
WhatsApp recently announced that it is coming up with new terms and conditions. Nothing will change for users within the EU. Outside of that, Facebook is given more freedom.
