Ireland Privacy Watchdog Fines WhatsApp
An Ireland privacy watchdog recently fined WhatsApp a staggering 225 million euros. The lawsuit by the Data Protection Commission (DPC) claims that WhatsApp breached the European Union data protection rules, particularly those regarding transparency around data sharing.
WhatsApp, a messaging app owned by Facebook, has shared user information across Facebook-owned companies. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was created to help protect user information for individuals living in the EU.
In addition to the 225 million euro fine, WhatsApp must take remedial action. Although users have often criticized WhatsApp for its long and confusing privacy disclosure, compliance with the GDPR may cause that statement to become even longer.
What the WhatsApp Breach Means for You
Over two billion people use WhatsApp for communication. Although the app was designed for personal communication, some workplaces have adopted the platform because it is free to use.
WhatsApp and other Facebook-owned companies are regularly criticized for the lack of security in protecting user information. Because these apps are fraught with security concerns, individuals and businesses risk a major data breach when communicating personal information.
Although you may not share much personal information when sending messages to friends and family on WhatsApp, it is essential to find secure communication solutions for your business.
Since businesses need GDPR-compliant communication options, paid business messaging services may be a worthy investment. If you’re unsure about the security of your current business communication methods, an IT support consultant can help audit the security of your business’ online practices.
Private users should use online messaging services cautiously. Personal and financial information should not be transmitted across these platforms, as the information may be shared or leaked to outside sources.
Despite their length, online users should always read the terms of service and data security information about every app they use for personal communication. Even gaming apps pose risks to personal security, so users should only download apps from companies they trust.
Security Investigations under the GDPR
Whatsapp’s fine is the result of a long investigation into their user data security practices. The security watchdog, headquartered in Dublin, has monitored several online companies to ensure their compliance with the GDPR.
Facebook, however, plans to appeal the decision. In a press statement, they said, “WhatsApp is committed to providing a secure and private service. 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.”
Although the Data Protection Commission (DPC) is confident in their decision, WhatsApp’s parent company believes the fine is too high. After pressure from the EU to increase fines to deter privacy violations, the fine against WhatsApp is now the second-largest in DPC history.
In July, the DPC in Luxembourg fined Amazon an enormous 746 million euros for their data protection violations. The fine against Amazon is more than three times the fine for WhatsApp’s violations.
There are current data security investigations into companies like Google, Twitter, and Facebook. A second case against WhatsApp is still being investigated.
