Observed Signal · Jun 16, 2025 · Policy Update · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Negative
WhatsApp to Show Ads Using Instagram and Facebook Data
Meta has announced plans to introduce advertising in WhatsApp, leveraging user data not only from WhatsApp but also from its other platforms, Instagram and Facebook. This move raises significant legal concerns, particularly regarding the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and GDPR, which mandate explicit user consent for cross-platform data linking and personalized advertising. Privacy activist Max Schrems, chairman of noyb, criticized the plan as illegal, arguing that Meta is consolidating its monopoly without offering users a genuine choice. Meta defended its approach, stating that ads will be placed in a separate tab and that it has taken measures to protect message privacy. Schrems predicts users may migrate to alternatives like Signal. noyb is considering legal action, while the EU Commission already deemed Meta's existing 'Pay or Okay' model at Instagram and Facebook as non-compliant.
Meta's plan to monetize WhatsApp through cross-platform data raises major regulatory and privacy concerns, potentially reshaping messaging ad strategies and user trust across the advertising ecosystem.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Meta plans to display ads in WhatsApp using user data from Instagram and Facebook.
- Max Schrems, chairman of noyb, stated that linking data across platforms without voluntary consent is 'clearly illegal' under EU law.
- The EU Commission has already classified Meta's 'Pay or Okay' model as illegal, citing a consent rate of over 99% achieved through coercion.
- Meta responded by asserting its compliance with legal requirements globally, including in the EU.
- noyb is evaluating legal actions against the planned advertising changes.
- Schrems anticipates that users will switch to alternatives like Signal due to these practices.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“Meta will auf seinem Messenger-Dienst WhatsApp künftig Werbung anzeigen....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
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Xbox Launches TV & Film Division; Meta Tests Link Restrictions
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Google launches unified agentic AI for Gemini
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