The Clap
Facebook-owned WhatsApp has been fined a whopping $267 million for breaching European Union (EU) data privacy rules.
Who is affected🤷
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) noted that WhatsApp did not properly inform EU citizens about how it handles their personal data, including how it shares that information with Facebook.
Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs how tech companies gather and use data in the EU. Under the GDPR law passed three years ago, the authorities have the power to fine companies up to 4% of their annual sales.
Why is this important🤔
The fine imposed on WhatsApp is the Irish regulator’s biggest penalty for GDPR violations in Europe, where the GDPR requires companies to be clear about how they use customer data.
A WhatsApp spokesperson said the company plans to appeal, and that it’s committed to providing a secure and private service.
