WhatsApp’s challenge to a €225 million EU privacy fine was sent back to a lower tribunal, extending a five-year legal battle with regulators.
The dispute stems from an order requiring Ireland’s Data Protection Commission to raise penalties over WhatsApp’s handling of personal data.
Meta Platforms appealed after the fine was increased in 2021 following intervention by the European Data Protection Board.
A lower tribunal initially rejected the appeal, ruling WhatsApp lacked legal standing to challenge the EDPB’s binding decision.
On Tuesday, the Court of Justice of the European Union overturned that view and ordered a review on the merits.
“The action brought by WhatsApp Ireland is admissible,” the Luxembourg-based court said, reopening scrutiny of the penalty’s calculation.
A WhatsApp spokesperson welcomed the ruling, calling it vital that companies can challenge EDPB decisions and ensure accountability.
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has issued over €4 billion in GDPR fines since 2020, but collections remain limited amid prolonged legal appeals.
