WhatsApp messaging breached privacy laws: Authorities

OTTAWA (AFP) - WhatsApp's mobile messaging service used by hundreds of millions of customers worldwide breached privacy laws in at least two countries, a joint Canadian-Dutch probe concluded on Monday.

The California-based mobile app developer violated "certain internationally accepted privacy principles, mainly in relation to the retention, safeguard, and disclosure of personal data," Canada's privacy commissioner and the Dutch Data Protection Authority (CBP) said in a joint statement.

WhatsApp has taken steps to resolve several privacy issues by implementing many of the privacy watchdogs' recommendations.

"However, outstanding issues remain to be fully addressed," the watchdogs said.