Facebook-owned WhatsApp on Monday is on European Consumer Organisation targets after facing a barrage of complaints and others over a privacy policy update, reports Reuters. The new privacy policy has prompted a global outcry and led some users to switch to rival apps Telegram and Signal.

Messaging app WhatsApp, in January, introduced a privacy policy and it allows it to share some data with Facebook and other group firms. According to the policy, it will permit the users to message with businesses and would not affect personal conversations.

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The new policy states even if a user deletes the app from the device without using the in-app delete feature, his/her information will remain stored with the platform. It also stated that information such as a device’s “battery level, signal strength, app version, browser information, mobile network, connection information, language and time zone, IP address, and device operations information” will be collected by WhatsApp.

The changes have been criticised by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and eight of its members, who filed complaints with the European Commission and the European network of consumer authorities, saying WhatsApp was unfairly pressuring users to accept its new policies.

Releasing a joint statement, the group said the new policy and its terms have put an undue pressure on users and impair their freedom of choice, adding the new policy is a breach of the EU Directive on Unfair Commercial Practices.

Urged the European network of consumer authorities and EU to work together, the group said they will do everything to address these consumer rights concerns and protect freedom of choice.