UK Probes Meta's Handling of WhatsApp Data Requests

• The investigation stems from Ofcom's 2024 review of the wholesale business bulk SMS market, which handles appointment reminders and parcel delivery notifications
• Ofcom alleges that Meta may have failed to provide complete and accurate information about WhatsApp in response to the regulatory review
• The probe raises compliance concerns about Meta's cooperation with UK regulatory data requests and market investigations

Summary: UK Probes Meta's Handling of WhatsApp Data Requests

Key Development:

UK telecommunications regulator Ofcom announced on January 23, 2026, that it has launched an investigation into Meta Platforms regarding potentially incomplete or inaccurate information provided about WhatsApp during a regulatory review.

Investigation Background:

The probe stems from Ofcom's market review of the wholesale business bulk SMS messaging sector, which handles services such as appointment reminders and parcel delivery notifications. Meta submitted information related to WhatsApp as part of this review process.

Regulatory Concerns:

According to Ofcom, "The available evidence suggests that the information we received in response from Meta may not have been complete and accurate." This suggests potential compliance issues with regulatory disclosure requirements.

Market Implications:

This investigation adds to Meta's growing regulatory challenges globally, particularly concerning data handling and transparency practices. The probe could result in:

• Potential fines or sanctions against Meta
• Increased scrutiny of WhatsApp's role in the business messaging market
• Broader implications for how tech platforms respond to regulatory information requests
• Possible impact on Meta's UK operations and business messaging services

Company Affected:

Meta Platforms is the sole company under investigation. WhatsApp, Meta's messaging platform with billions of users worldwide, is at the center of the inquiry.

Sector Impact:

The wholesale business SMS messaging market faces potential regulatory changes depending on investigation outcomes, which could affect competition dynamics and market access for messaging platforms.

No specific financial figures, penalties, or timeline for the investigation's completion were disclosed in the announcement.