Information Regulator reveals details about WhatsApp's breach of Popia

[Daniel Puchert]

WhatsApp ordered to make changes in South Africa

The Information Regulator has published details regarding WhatsApp's breach of various sections of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), resulting in the watchdog issuing the company an enforcement notice.

While the full notice was only uploaded to the watchdog's website this month, it was already served on WhatsApp in September 2024.

 

[Carl_Johnson]

Lol this day can't get any better!

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

So WhatsApp said FEKK YOU, to the regulator ...

 

[neoprema]

Companies in ZA don't give a flying **** about our privacy but the regulator is quick to run after Whatsapp lol...

 

[spiff]

Failure to comply could result in the issuance of a fine of up to R10 million, imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years, or a combination of both.

like thats going to happen!

 

[oros]

A watchdog without any teeth....

 

[KleinBoontjie]

Soooo, how do they choose who to send to jail? Must be a lot of people working there.

 

[system32]

What info does WhatsApp collect on registration:
- Phone Number
- User Name (which you can make up - just like on MyBB)

After registration:
- Access to Address book (so you can like message others)

There is no ID, no address, no passport numbers, no photos, no bank info collected.
Does not seem to be any POPI info Collected.

If Information Regulator is serious, it should just block access to WhatsApp and see how quickly Meta comes begging.

 

[Carl_Johnson]

Lol this day can't get any better!

Well with this sudden bout of LS clearly it just did!

 

[Bad Ballie]

Companies in ZA don't give a flying **** about our privacy but the regulator is quick to run after Whatsapp lol...

Let not forget that the government itself is the largest single violator of our rights, and that they maintain the largest most comprehensive database on its citizens in the country.

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Let not forget that the government itself is the largest single violator of our rights, and that they maintain the largest most comprehensive database on its citizens in the country.

And they leak data faster than the Great Flood