WhatsApp signs up to clearer user terms under EU consumer rules

WhatsApp agreed to make it easier for users to reject updates if the terms are not satisfactory as well as explain when such a decision ends access to the messaging service. — Photo by Bastian Riccardi on Unsplash

BRUSSELS: The messaging service WhatsApp is to better inform users of future changes to terms of service after an agreement with the European Commission on Monday.

Consumers in the European Union "have a right to understand what they agree to and what that choice entails concretely," European Union Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said in a statement.

WhatsApp agreed to make it easier for users to reject updates if the terms are not satisfactory as well as explain when such a decision ends access to the messaging service.

Further WhatsApp commitments include the option for users to delay updates, to not send repeated update reminders and ensure personal data is not shared with other companies like sister firm Facebook for advertising.

Consumer protection agencies in the EU referred WhatsApp to the commission in 2022 over what critics charged were unfair practices in informing users of contract changes and privacy policy.

The commitment from WhatsApp comes under a raft of EU consumer legislation for internet and tech companies that came into force called the Digital Services Act (DSA).

After a series of interim steps, the DSA is to legally oblige digital companies to provide clear terms and conditions to users of their services. – dpa