Written by The surfacing of online and messaging platforms has primarily contributed to the benefit of undemanding communication processes. However, digital footprints containing personal or confidential information were left unerased. This risk is the reason why businesses and other online platforms comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to maintain the safety of customers’ information.
WhatsApp, a famous instant messaging solution used for marketing and businesses, also allows data collection from users. Hence, WhatsApp GDPR compliance is mandatory as actual data processing takes place.
What is GDPR?
GDPR is a regulation applied to businesses to protect their consumers’ data. GDPR was implemented by the European Union, which sets strict guidelines for how companies should protect their customers’ private information. In other words, GDPR ensures transparency in privacy policies, businesses’ accountability in enforcing security measures, and individual control of EU citizens with the right to have their data accessed.
WhatsApp’s Compliance
WhatsApp deals with data processing as this platform is used in two ways: WhatsApp Messenger, which is intended for personal use, and WhatsApp Business Solutions for business-related matters. Once a user has created an account, data, including names, contact details, and addresses, are collected. In addition, WhatsApp has archiving features like WhatsApp capture and record; the prospect to process relevant data and messages, as well as monitor calls in WhatsApp, is feasible—the reason why WhatsApp needs to abide by GDPR.
How to Comply With GDPR?
Always Ask Consent
An essential act for a mobile application like WhatsApp is to ensure that users have the privilege to give consent to handling their personal data. The consent must be direct and easy to understand rather than complicated to process.
Protect the Data Gathered
Only the most significant data should be collected, and it is the platform’s responsibility to secure the information obtained from the users. Ensuring reliability would build trust between the user and the platform.
Allow the “Right to Be Forgotten” Policy
GDPR allows users to request the deletion of their data, and WhatsApp has the role of observing this plea. Since GDPR calls for data security, the platform should strengthen its consent management system to avoid future issues like data breaches and privacy issues.
Read this article from Telemessage to learn more about the compliance of off-channel communications in addressing Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) requirements.
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