'Greater transparency' on WhatsApp terms of service welcomed

What has been described as work which will "ensure greater transparency" in WhasApp terms of service has been welcomed by a Government Minister. 

Minister for Trade Promotion and Digital Transformation, Dara Calleary welcomed the work of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) on behalf of Irish consumers to ensure greater transparency in changes to WhatsApp terms of service.

The CCPC jointly led this work with its Swedish counterpart and the European Commission under the framework of the European Union’s Consumer Protection Cooperation Network, Minister Calleary said. 

This allows national authorities to work together to effectively tackle widespread infringements of EU consumer law and review commercial practices of traders, he added. 

Following a dialogue, WhatsApp will now ensure it explains the impact of changes to users, highlights the option to reject updates as prominently as accept them and, ensure notifications provided to users are clear, prominent and not aggressive, Minister Calleary outlined.

Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to see the CCPC working with its counterparts across Europe in the interest of consumers. WhatsApp will now have to clearly explain any changes it intends to make to user’s contracts in advance and explain how such changes could affect their rights. It is vital that consumers receive clear information to allow them to make informed decisions. I welcome this work, jointly led by the CCPC, which emphasises the importance of clarity for consumers”.