Facebook unit WhatsApp has been given till the tip of February to clarify adjustments to its privateness coverage and whether or not this complies with EU client safety legal guidelines after complaints from client teams, the European Commission mentioned on Thursday.

The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and eight of its members took their grievances to the EU govt and the European community of client authorities, saying WhatsApp was unfairly pressuring customers to simply accept its new privateness coverage which permits it to share some information with Facebook and different group companies.

EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders mentioned he shared the troubles and has requested WhatsApp to make clear the coverage and if it complies with EU client safety legislation.

“WhatsApp has until the end of February to come back to us with concrete commitments on how they will address our concerns,” he mentioned in an announcement.

Areas of concern embody whether or not the corporate gives enough details about its new phrases of service and if its notifications prompting customers to simply accept the brand new phrases and privateness coverage are honest.

The Commission mentioned it was additionally involved concerning the change of customers’ private information between WhatsApp and third events or different Facebook/Meta firms.

“We look forward to explaining to the European Commission how we protect our users’ privacy in compliance with our obligations under EU law,” a WhatsApp spokesperson mentioned.

© Thomson Reuters 2022