Facebook charged with misleading EU over $19bn WhatsApp deal

The charge does not threaten to revoke the Commission's approval of Facebook buying WhatsApp, but the company must now respond. The company changed WhatsApp's privacy policy in August, allowing data including phone numbers and device information to be shared. The data can be used to target adverts, fight spam and suggest friends. At the time, some users said Facebook had broken promises to respect WhatsApp users' privacy, and regulators including the UK's Information Commissioner's Office said they would investigate. Facebook said last month it would stop gathering some data of WhatsApp users in the UK and Europe. A Facebook spokesman said: "We’ve consistently provided accurate information about our technical capabilities and plans, including in submissions about the WhatsApp acquisition and in voluntary briefings before WhatsApp’s privacy policy update this year. "We’re pleased that the Commission stands by its clearance decision, and we will continue to cooperate and share information officials need to resolve their questions."