The controversial measure that Facebook has taken to share data from WhatsApp directly continues to bring tail. And it is that according to a recent publication of Bloomberg, one of the toughest regulators in Germany on data issues would be seeking an administrative order by which Facebook should stop collecting data from WhatsApp.
Regulator established in the city of Hamburg would be looking to get an immediate execution order against Facebook by May 15. This request is because There is concern from the regulator that changes to the WhatsApp privacy policy could lead to the illegal use of user data for marketing and advertising purposes. Johannes Caspar himself, Commissioner for Data in Germany, today indicated the following:
WhatsApp is being used by almost 60 million people in Germany and is by far the most widely used social application, even more than Facebook. Therefore, it is even more important to ensure that the high number of users, which makes the service attractive to many people, does not lead to an abusive exploitation of the power of the data.
Changes to the privacy policy suggested at the time that WhatsApp would share additional data with Facebook, such as phone number, service-related information, IP address, and transaction data, but WhatsApp has since clarified that these privacy policy changes do not affect data sharing with Facebook in regards to user chats or profile information., and that the new terms apply instead to those who use the business chat feature.
Recall that WhatsApp already delayed the introduction of its new privacy policy earlier this year, after confusion and user reactions forced the company to assure users of its commitment to their privacy. However, the relationship between Facebook and WhatsApp will come under greater scrutiny in Germany following the request for this executive order.
Facebook has commented in a statement that is reviewing the information it has received from the regulator from Germany and ensures that it will address existing misunderstandings around the purpose and effect of the privacy terms update. He also assured that the company remains committed to offering secure and private communications to its users.
A new chapter in this odyssey that Facebook is writing with its always controversial privacy policy. We will see if the order and the effects that this could entail in the rest of the countries.
