German watchdog says Facebook must stop using WhatsApp data
BERLIN/LUXEMBOURG — Facebook, already under scrutiny in the US and the EU for revisions to privacy policies for its WhatsApp messaging service, was ordered by Hamburg’s privacy watchdog to stop processing data of German users of the chat service.In a renewed clash with the social network operator, Johannes Caspar, one of Germany’s most outspoken data-protection commissioners, ordered Facebook to delete any data it already has. There is no legal basis for Facebook to use information of WhatsApp customers, he said on Tuesday."This order protects the data of about 35-million WhatsApp users in Germany," Caspar said. "It has to be their decision as to whether they want to connect their account with Facebook."Caspar and other German privacy watchdogs have been fighting with Facebook for years over how the technology giant applies European data-protection rules. Facebook has argued that only the regulator in Ireland, where it has its European base, has jurisdiction over any such decisions....
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.