Brazilian Watchdog Calls For Postponement Of WhatsApp Changes

Brazilian authorities have asked WhatsApp to postpone the introduction of its new privacy policy this week amid concerns over data protection and consumer rights, reported Zdnet.

The request was issued by Brazil’s data protection agency ANPD, national consumer body Senacon, the Federal Prosecution Service and competition watchdog CADE. WhatsApp and its owner Facebook must respond to the requests from the government. Failure to comply could lead to action from the federal prosecutor to guarantee the fulfillment and protection of collective rights, in addition to other measures that may be applied by other Brazilian authorities. 

The recommendations outlined by the Brazilian authorities include delaying the roll-out of the privacy policy, set to take effect on Saturday, May 15, until a number of points that have emerged during the bodies’ scrutiny of the new privacy framework are addressed. 

In addition, the Brazilian authorities want WhatsApp to continue to provide the service without restrictions to users refusing to accept the new policy, including the maintenance of user accounts as well as their message and file records. Moreover, the authorities request that Facebook refrains from treating or sharing WhatsApp user data in any way on the grounds of the new privacy policy until the social media company receives the green light from the authorities.

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