The WhatsApp app, which is part of Meta Platforms, has promised European Commission officials that it will comply with EU law and inform its users quickly and transparently about changes to privacy settings.

WhatsAppPhoto: Rui Matos, Dreamstime.com

The Commission’s statement said WhatsApp officials, following a dialogue with European competition authorities, promised more transparency when announcing privacy policy changes.

For example, users will be able to reject updates if they don’t agree with them, and the app promises to make it clear when certain opt-outs mean certain features in the app will no longer work.

The company also said that users’ personal data is not shared with third parties or other Meta group companies, such as Facebook, for advertising purposes. The dialogue was mediated by the Swedish and Irish competition associations.

Commission officials say WhatsApp has committed to explaining exactly what the implications of changes it makes to its terms of use will be, and users will be able to control the notifications they receive.

Photo source: Dreamstime.com