[citation][nom]mrjhh[/nom]The terms and conditions of using WhatsApp are pretty explicit that it is intended for use within the US, and to be governed by California law. Perhaps the terms have changed since this case was brought, but why should WhatsApp be required to cowtow to every foreign demand, when they are not located in or do any business in those other countries? They certainly aren't charging for the app, so no business is being done in the foreign country.At most, the Dutch government could pressure Google to remove WhatsApp from the Play store in Holland. That is if they want to be seen as being like Pakistan and others who censor YouTube, they could do this. Since Canada can't sanction, I'm not sure why they even bother with their privacy agency.California has stricter privacy laws than most other US states, so if the terms are against California law, then there is a case to be made, but only under California law, and California law only protects Californians, and is pretty much limited to having a privacy policy.[/citation]
1. You don't understand law
2. If you do business in a country you're bound by those laws
I) Either you make the change globally for that product to fit all laws (ex. Facebook had to change how they handled deleted users due to Canada Privacy Law, and applied the new and better deletion process across the globe)
II) You provide a variant that is compliant with that nation's law (ex. Apple must provide a Micro USB adapter / wire with its device since the European Union has a regulation that all mobile devices must charge with a standard Micro-USB. Apple did not change their products but provide a variant for that market).
Also, Canada can't sanction, what are you talking about? The Privacy Commissioner's recommendation to comply with Canadian law over an app would never go to the level of national sanctions against America. Who cares if they can't sanction, that has no bearing on this case or other similar ones in the past (ex. Facebook). It will just require compliance with the law in a reasonable time or not be allowed since it violates the law (Privacy Law).
A Canadian citizen, or Dutch, or whoever is not bound by California law, its bound by their respective nations law. Perhaps you should study law in high school or read some basic 101 books before you're critical on anything.