By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters), Meta’s WhatsApp now has until July to prove that a January privacy update was in compliance with EU Consumer Law, according to Wednesday’s statement by the European Commission. The decision came in response of complaints from European consumers.

European Consumer Organisation and European Network of Consumer Authority stated that WhatsApp failed to explain changes in clear and understandable language, in contravention of EU consumer law.

Companies found to be in violation of consumer laws can face sanctions from national enforcers.

In January, the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (a group of consumer watchdogs across countries and supported by the EU executive) sent WhatsApp a request for clarifications regarding its privacy policies.

They said that a March company reply did not convince them and they sent them a second, Wednesday-sized letter.

Didier Reynders, the Commission’s justice chief, stated in a statement that Whatsapp must make sure users know what they agree to and how personal data are used commercially.

WhatsApp stated that it will respond in good time to your letter.

According to a spokesperson, “Our commitment to privacy and the operation of our service did not change” with our 2021 update.