News JVTech WhatsApp forces 3 changes for European users
Published on 07/03/2023 at 20:50
Share :
Following a dialogue with the authorities, WhatsApp has agreed to comply with European Union rules. More transparency and security, here is what will change!
WhatsApp makes concessions for Europe
If SMS has now taken a back seat, it is largely because instant messaging services have overtaken it. These are numerous, and although they almost all have different functionalities, WhatsApp remains the absolute king with its two billion daily users. But to stay on top, you sometimes have to comply with the demands of certain authorities; and that WhatsApp knows only too well, since the service has just signed a major agreement with the European Union.
It is therefore in a communiqué released on Monday that following a dialogue with EU consumer protection authorities and the European Commission (CPC network), WhatsApp has pledged to be more transparent about changes to its terms of service.
I welcome WhatsApp’s commitment to change its practices to comply with EU rules, by actively informing users of any contractual adaptation and respecting their choices instead of asking the question each time the application is opened. Consumers have the right to understand what they agree to and what this choice means in practice, so that they can decide whether they wish to continue using the platform. Didier Reynderscommissioner of justice
What will this change for users?
In fact, these changes will not directly impact the user experience of WhatsApp, since they mainly concern things that happen in the background. It will therefore not be a question of message to self or of voicemail transcriptionbut rather transparency and control.
Photo credit: Unsplash
The biggest modification forced by the European Union is undoubtedly the appearance of the possibility of refusing the famous conditions of use. So understand here that if WhatsApp updates its policy, the user will have to be able to opt out of the new terms. Small important clarification: “the company will make it easier for users to refuse updates in the event of disagreement, and will provide clear explanations when such a rejection no longer allows the user to use WhatsApp services. »
Furthermore, and this is undoubtedly the most important point, the European Commission explains that the instant messaging service will have to explain to the user what changes it intends to make to the “contract” between the two parties, and how these changes will affect user rights. The representatives of WhatsApp also promised that users’ personal data was not shared with third parties or other Meta Group companies. – including Facebook and Instagram – for advertising purposes.
Now that the dialogue between the two parties is closed, “the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) will actively monitor WhatsApp’s implementation of these commitments in any potential updates to its policies in the future. and, where necessary, ensure compliance with these commitments, including by providing for the possibility of imposing fines. The exchanges had started last year with a first letter, and it therefore took a second for WhatsApp to become concerned and take the necessary measures.
