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Minister for Trade Promotion and Digital Transformation, Dara Calleary TD today, Monday 6 March 2023, welcomed the work of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) on behalf of Irish consumers to ensure greater transparency in changes to WhatsApp terms of service.

The CCPC jointly led this work with its Swedish counterpart and the European Commission under the framework of the European Union’s Consumer Protection Cooperation Network.  This allows national authorities to work together to effectively tackle widespread infringements of EU consumer law and review commercial practices of traders.  Following a dialogue, WhatsApp will now ensure it explains the impact of changes to users, highlights the option to reject updates as prominently as accept them and, ensure notifications provided to users are clear, prominent and not aggressive.

Minister Calleary said:

“I am delighted to see the CCPC working with its counterparts across Europe in the interest of consumers. WhatsApp will now have to clearly explain any changes it intends to make to user’s contracts in advance and explain how such changes could affect their rights. It is vital that consumers receive clear information to allow them to make informed decisions. I welcome this work, jointly led by the CCPC, which emphasises the importance of clarity for consumers.”

For follow up queries please contact the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s Press Office:

e-mail:  Communications@ccpc.ie

ENDS

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) plays a key role in implementing the Government’s policies of stimulating the productive capacity of the economy and creating an environment which supports job creation and maintenance. The Department has lead responsibility for Irish policy on global trade and inward investment and a remit to promote fair competition in the marketplace, protect consumers and safeguard workers.

For further information please contact Press Office, D/Enterprise, Trade and Employment, press.office@enterprise.gov.ie or (01) 631-2200

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