Information Commissioner to investigate data sharing between WhatsApp and Facebook

WhatsApp's plans to share user data with Facebook are to be investigated by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in the UK. The change in privacy policy goes against a previous public commitment not to share data in this way.

The ICO has the power to regulate how companies make use of data belonging to people located in the UK, even if the companies themselves are located elsewhere. A key concern is whether there will be compliance with data protection laws.

Users are particularly upset about the data sharing plans because when Facebook acquired WhatsApp back in 2014, the company said clearly that data would not be shared in this way. The backlash on social media has, predictably, resulted in many people complaining that they will stop using WhatsApp.

It has also been suggested that in sharing private data from WhatsApp, Facebook will be violating an agreement it struck with the Federal Trade Commission.

Information commissioner Elizabeth Denham said:

The changes WhatsApp and Facebook are making will affect a lot of people. Some might consider it'll give them a better service, others may be concerned by the lack of control.

Our role is to pull back the curtain on things like this, ensuring that companies are being transparent with the public about how their personal data is being shared, and protecting consumers by making sure the law is being followed.

We've been informed of the changes. Organizations do not need to get prior approval from the ICO to change their approaches, but they do need to stay within data protection laws. We are looking into this.

Anyone who is concerned about their privacy is reminded that they can use WhatsApp's instructions to prevent data sharing. Or they could stop using WhatsApp...

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