SA regulator mulls suing WhatsApp over user data
The SA information regulator says it is briefing attorneys to prepare an opinion on the way forward in terms of litigation
South Africa’s information regulator says it is considering legal action over messaging service WhatsApp’s plan to share user data with parent company Facebook.
The regulator considers that the move violates the country’s protection of personal information laws.
It said it had written to WhatsApp asking it to revise the policy to conform to the standard used in the European Union (EU)- but that it had received no agreement.
“Under the circumstances the regulator is briefing attorneys to prepare an opinion on the way forward in terms of litigation,” it said in a statement.
WhatsApp has been requiring users to consent to new privacy policy that allows sharing of information with Facebook for advertising and e-commerce purposes – or stop using the service.
The terms will take effect on Saturday.
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