WhatsApp faces second probe in Turkey over new data-sharing rules

After Turkey's Competition Authority, the Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) has also launched an investigation into WhatsApp over its new data-sharing rules. The move came after WhatsApp updated its terms of service on Jan. 6, allowing Facebook and its subsidiaries to collect user data. The deadline for agreeing to the new terms is Feb. 8.

Duvar English – Anadolu Agency

Turkey’s Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) on Jan. 12 launched an investigation into WhatsApp over its new data-sharing rules.

The American messenger application recently required users to agree to new service and privacy terms that allow sharing of more personal data with Facebook, which owns WhatsApp.

The KVKK's move came after another Turkish watchdog, the Competition Authority, opened a probe into Facebook and WhatsApp on Jan. 11 and suspended the messenger’s new data collection rules in the country.

The KVKK’s investigation will assess the issue in terms of the general provisions of personal data protection legislation, state-run Anadolu Agency said.

The authority’s ex officio probe will focus on issues such as data processing conditions, data transfer abroad and other basic principles.

The watchdog will follow all due processes and re-evaluate the issue on Feb. 8, according to a statement.

WhatsApp updated its terms of service on Jan. 6, allowing Facebook and its subsidiaries to collect user data. The deadline for agreeing to the new terms is Feb. 8.

Rival messaging apps Signal and Telegram have since seen a sudden increase in demand.

Turkey's government has targeted social media companies with new restrictions and fines since it passed a law in July it says bolsters local oversight of foreign firms. Critics say the law stifles dissent from Turks who resorted to online platforms after the government tightened its grip on mainstream media.