AdLegal filed a formal complaint with Uganda’s Data Protection Office against WhatsApp LLC, citing violations of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019. The complaint challenges WhatsApp’s 2021 Privacy Policy, which mandates data sharing with Meta companies without users’ consent.

The 2021 policy unfairly restricts Ugandan users’ ability to control their personal data, unlike European users, who have the right to withdraw consent without deleting their accounts. The complaint also highlights excessive data collection and discriminatory treatment of Ugandan users compared to those under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Adlegal sought an investigation and regulatory action to ensure WhatsApp complies with Uganda’s data privacy laws and safeguards online consumer’s rights.