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The massive fine is the largest issued by European regulators for violating the General Data Protection Regulation (or GDPR) since the sweeping data-privacy bill's passage. According to Irish officials, the fine was issued for the company's failure to inform European users of the nature of the use of their data. The app has been ordered to adjust its privacy policy to disclose the use of user data better.
"WhatsApp is committed to providing a secure and private service," the company said in response. "We have worked to ensure the information we provide is transparent and comprehensive and will continue to do so."
One of the main criticisms of the GDPR has been the apparent reluctance of European regulators to enact the law's framework fully and have been equally as reluctant to levy fines against violators of the law. What makes Ireland's considerable fine stand apart from previous GDPR violations, aside from the heavy price tag that WhatsApp will be stuck with (providing the firm is unsuccessful in its appeals), is the timing of the action.
Regulators worldwide have begun to take a more rigid collective stance against major tech firms, from Facebook and its affiliated companies such as WhatsApp to fellow titans such as Alphabet
With a growing anti-tech sentiment in legislative bodies worldwide and newly set precedents by foreign governments, the recent fine could be seen as a form of "feeling out" stiffer punishments by European regulators. While the fine sets a firm tone with Facebook and WhatsApp, consistency is critical if European regulators hope to employ the GDPR more effectively.
Given that historic political and economic partners such as the United States and Australia are stiffening their stance, the possibility certainly remains for the E.U. to wield the hammer of the GDPR more effectively against tech giants. Should WhatsApp's appeal result in an affirmation of Ireland's decision, the door would only be further opened for European regulators.
