WhatsApp is the world's most popular messaging app. While the app is widely used for sending messages, images, audio, video, and making voice and video calls, there are a few annoying things that you might encounter from other users. One of which has to do with random users adding you to WhatsApp groups without your permission.
Well, what would you say if I told you that people who add you to WhatsApp groups without notifying you can be fined? Yes, by fine, I mean they will be fined some good amount of money.
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WhatsApp users in Spain who add someone to a WhatsApp group without their permission, and for commercial purposes, will be fined in accordance with the policy of the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD).
The policy allows a fine of up to 4,000 euros (about $4,643) to those found in violation of it. This came about after a girl claimed to have been added to a WhatsApp group of a commercial sports club, which she had not attended for more than 10 years.
However, it is worth noting that this fine doesn't apply in conversations with family or friends. The fine only comes in when you get added to a WhatsApp group that has been created for commercial purposes, and you didn't consent to it.
With that, there is the belief that this policy of imposing fine on people who adds others to commercial WhatsApp groups without consent will spread to others. That brings us to a few questions:
Will there be a fine for adding a contact to a WhatsApp group with their consent?
For now, this is only effective in Spain and enforced by the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD). WhatsApp users outside Spain won't be penalized for adding people without their consent to WhatsApp groups.
What is the fine to pay for adding contacts to WhatsApp groups without their consent?
In Spain, the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) imposed a fine of up to 4,000 euros (about $4,643). WhatsApp users outside Spain aren't affected by this.
Will this WhatsApp policy of fining people who add others to WhastApp groups without their permission spread to other countries
This isn't a WhatsApp policy and so WhatsApp isn't promoting it. However, other countries can impose laws that will fine people who add others to WhatsApp groups without their permission.
WhatsApp rolled out an update to its Group Invitation feature to prevent random people from adding you to unwanted WhatsApp groups. By default, any WhatsApp user that has your WhatsApp number can add you to any group without your permission.
However, once you enable this feature, those that want to add you to a WhatsApp group will need your permission.