South Africa's information regulator released a statement Thursday affirming its position as a body dedicated to the protection of its citizen's private information.
The statement said that the organization was considering taking legal action over WhatsApp's plans to share user data with Facebook after failing to reach an agreement following talks with the relevant parties.
Earlier this year the WhatsApp giant, owned by Facebook, informed all its users that they had to consent to a new data-use policy allowing it to share more private information with its parent company for advertising and e-commerce purposes.
South Africa's regulator responded by stating that the new privacy policy violated the country's protection of personal information laws. It has since written to WhatsApp asking it to revise its privacy policy in South Africa to the standard used in the European Union (EU).
As of Thursday, the regulator said it has so far received "no agreement" from WhatsApp saying, "Under the circumstances, the regulator is briefing attorneys to prepare an opinion on the way forward in terms of litigation."
The new data-sharing policy was to be enforced on 15 May – this been delayed in response to a massive user outcry. The tech giant recently said it would not immediately cut off users who do not accept the new terms and conditions, although it would send reminders to those who do not opt-in.
You can read the full statement by clicking on the link below:
MEDIA STATEMENT: INFORMATION REGULATOR TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION REGARDING THE WHATSAPP PRIVACY POLICY
— Information Regulator SA (@InforegulatorSA) May 13, 2021
Link to media statement below ??https://t.co/HpAfIgeeNg pic.twitter.com/noIbN3jF0I
