UK Watchdog Closes WhatsApp Data Probe, Bans Facebook Sharing Until GDPR Compliance
The UK Information Commissioner's Office concludes its investigation into WhatsApp and Facebook, securing a pledge that the messaging app will not share user data with its parent company until it meets GDPR standards. No fines are issued since the data sharing never actually occurred.
The UK Information Commissioner's Office officially closes its long-running investigation into WhatsApp and Facebook over user data sharing practices. The regulatory body concludes that the two platforms currently do not share personal user information beyond basic data processing tasks. As a result of this finding, the ICO decides not to issue any financial penalties to either company.
As part of the resolution, WhatsApp signs a formal undertaking that prevents it from sharing personal data with Facebook in the future. This sharing ban remains in effect until the companies develop a method of data exchange that fully complies with the General Data Protection Regulation. Commissioner Elizabeth Denham notes that while data protection law allows for data sharing, companies must strictly follow all legal requirements to do so.
This investigation originally begins in August 2016 after WhatsApp updates its privacy policy to indicate plans to share user data with Facebook. The upcoming GDPR framework, which takes effect in May and gives individuals greater control over their personal information, serves as the benchmark for the new agreement. The resolution represents a clear win for Facebook by avoiding fines, while the ICO secures a public commitment to protect UK user privacy.