WhatsApp changes data handling after Dutch privacy warning

Nieuws Mobiel Nederland 3 NOV 2015
WhatsApp changes data handling after Dutch privacy warning
WhatsApp has made changes to how it handles data of non-users of the messaging app, following a warning from the Dutch privacy regulator CBP. The regulator said that WhatsApp showed that it was not possible to offer its service without uploading all the phone numbers from a user's contacts list to its servers, including the details of non-users of WhatsApp. The company reached an agreement with the CBP on measures aimed at ensuring the privacy of non-users is protected. 

The numbers of non-users will be handled so that they cannot be used for other means and stored separately, with access for only a limited number of technicians. According to the CBP, the changes mean WhatsApp will use the numbers of non-users only in so far as is needed for providing its services, putting the company back in line with Dutch data protection legislation. WhatsApp's operators will be verified by an external auditor to ensure its applying the new measures. 

The CBP started its investigation in January 2013, in cooperation with its Canadian counterpart OPC, and the Dutch regulator threatened WhatsApp with fines last year if it did not change its practices. The CBP said that WhatsApp did question the Dutch regulator's authority in matter, but in the end cooperated with the investigation. 

According to Telecompaper's latest Dutch Apps Market report, WhatsApp is installed on around 10.5 million smartphones in the Netherlands. 

Categories:

Mobiel

Companies:

WhatsApp,  CBP

Countries:

Nederland

Tags:

Messaging, Security, Regulations, IT - applications

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