On the grounds of breaching privacy regulations, WhatsApp has been fined the sum of €225m, by Ireland’s data watchdog. It is referred to as the largest fine ever from the Irish Data Protection Commission, and the second-highest under EU GDPR rules.
The fine is in connection with the 2018 investigation on WhatsApp concerning its transparency with users’ information. WhatsApp was accused of not coming clean to its users on how their data is being processed.
Also the obscure nature of its privacy policy. The Irish DPC said that WhatsApp is guilty of altering its privacy policy for the umpteenth time.
WhatsApp tagged the penalty disproportionate and said that it will be appealing. “WhatsApp is committed to providing a secure and private service,” a company spokesperson said.
“We have worked to ensure the information we provide is transparent and comprehensive and will continue to do so. We disagree with the decision today regarding the transparency we provided to people in 2018 and the penalties are entirely disproportionate.”
According to the GDPR rules, 4% of an offending company’s global turnover will be deducted. The fine was concluded after a lengthy and comprehensive investigation.
The Irish DPC has submitted its decision against WhatsApp to other national data authorities, as required under GDPR. It was however opposed by eight countries, Italy, Germany and France inclusive.
