EU Seeks Strict Control on WhatsApp and Skype

A major European Union tender was announced on September 14 that will subject OTT internet amenities like Facebook’s WhatsApp and Microsoft’s Skype to the similar instructions that customary telecos must abide by.

EU Seeks Strict Control on WhatsApp and Skype

It was a success for traditional telcos. As the European Commission suggested strict security and privacy for the likes of WhatsApp and Skype.

Also Read: Communication Apps Given One Year Time to Transfer Data to Iranian Servers

The proposal is part of a set of developments recommended by the EC president Jean-Claude Juncker.

During his annual State of the Union speech he announced that,

“We propose today to equip every European village and every city with free wireless internet access around the main centers of public life by 2020.”

AFP reported that another part of the vow is to start transforming Europe to 5G networks as soon as 2018. In an exertion to not lose ground to Asia and the United States.

Under the European Commission’s suggestion, companies such as WhatsApp and Skype would be requisite to offer emergency-calling amenities. They would be required when customers dial traditional phone numbers.

They would also have to follow austere privacy rules. For example, France is also suspicious about the use of WhatsApp because of its encrypted messaging. It has made it a prevalent app for terrorist chains.

“The Commission should use this opportunity to reduce regulation in the hugely competitive market for communication services, rather than adding complexity.”

Said James Waterworth, of the Computer & Communications Industry Association.

Also Read: Is WhatsApp Really Sharing Your Personal Data with Facebook?