⚖️📱 EU court allows WhatsApp to challenge €225 million privacy fine

Oneliner

The CJEU has ruled that WhatsApp can challenge a €225 million fine imposed by the Irish Data Protection Commission, allowing the company to contest decisions made by the European Data Protection Board. This ruling, issued on February 10, 2026, opens a pathway for companies to appeal EDPB decisions, potentially reshaping data protection enforcement in the EU. The case will return to the EU General Court for further examination of the fine and WhatsApp's compliance with GDPR regulations.

Key points

• CJEU ruling enables WhatsApp to contest EDPB decisions on fines.
• The case returns to the EU General Court for further examination.
• WhatsApp's fine was increased from an initial proposal of €30-50 million.
• The ruling may influence future corporate accountability in data protection.

Links

• Politico: EU top court unblocks WhatsApp’s fight against millions in privacy fines
• Reuters: EU top court refers WhatsApp's fight against EU privacy watchdog back to lower tribunal
• ANSA: Multa di Dublino a Whatsapp sulla privacy, sarà il Tribunale Ue a decidere - Altre news - Ansa.it
• Handelsblatt: Verfahrensfrage: Millionenstrafe: Etappensieg für WhatsApp vor EuGH

Facts

• CJEU ruling issued on February 10, 2026.
• WhatsApp's fine was increased from an initial proposal of €30-50 million.
• The case will return to the EU General Court for further examination.
• The EDPB's decision was based on findings of GDPR violations by WhatsApp.

Quotes

• The EDPB is an unelected authority whose decisions can directly impact businesses and people across the EU — WhatsApp spokesperson
• The action brought by WhatsApp Ireland against Binding Decision 1/2021 of the European Data Protection Board is admissible — CJEU ruling

Article