Privacy Groups Ask FTC to Halt Facebook's Acquisition of WhatsApp

Social giant's practices said to violate WhatsApp privacy policy

A group of privacy organizations are calling for the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and halt Facebook's $19 billion acquisition of WhatsApp.

In a complaint filed Thursday, the Electronic Privacy Information Center and the Center for Digital Democracy contend that Facebook's practice of incorporating data from companies it has acquired would violate WhatsApp's strict privacy policy and constitute an "unfair or deceptive practice."

"Facebook routinely makes use of user information for advertising purposes and has made clear that it intends to incorporate the data of WhatsApp users into the user profiling business model," EPIC and CDD wrote, citing Instagram and other examples.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in