Mobile apps and personal data protection

2.9.2016

Question for written answer E-006654-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Dominique Bilde (ENF)

The global expansion in mobile telephony, with around seven billion subscriptions sold and approximately three-quarters of the world's population now in possession of a mobile phone, has led to the development of mobile apps. They cover almost every area and interest imaginable, such as music, dating, banking, games, etc.

A number of app companies are unlawfully profiting from the data they collect, however. They often use personal consumption data or photos, even after the accounts have been deactivated. This applies to the Tinder and Happn dating apps, as well as to the Runkeeper running app, and to Facebook. Moreover, some apps that are supposed to be blocked for children can be accessed by them with little difficulty.

In France, the National Commission for Data Protection and Liberties (CNIL) has issued a formal warning to Microsoft about its data collection practices.

What measures will the Commission take to uphold the right to privacy and personal data protection in Europe in the light of the unlawful practices employed by some mobile app companies?