WhatsApp has
announced plans to disclose user information to Facebook, including phone numbers and other user data, that will be connected with Facebook profiles. Facebook
purchased WhatsApp in 2014, and the companies
promised users of the privacy-protective messaging service that “
nothing” will change for WhatsApp users' privacy. EPIC filed a
complaint with the FTC over the deal, and the FTC
responded by warning the two companies that they must honor their privacy promises to WhatsApp users. The letter explained that failure to obtain users' opt-in consent before changing data practices would be an unfair and deceptive trade practice and violate
Facebook’s FTC Consent Order. WhatsApp’s recent announcement indicates users will have 30 days to
opt-out of data transfers to Facebook, in violation of the law and the FTC’s Order. In 2012, EPIC and a coalition of consumer privacy organizations also led a
successful effort at the FTC after Facebook changed the privacy settings of its users. As a result, Facebook is subject to an
FTC consent order.