The news that the GAA have instructed clubs to stop using WhatsApp as a method of communication caused a real stir on Tuesday.
Citing GDPR concerns, the GAA have said that using WhatsApp to communicate with players, mentors or members is a violation of their social media guidelines.
They say that they are developing an App which should be released in mid to late February and offer the solution of going back to text messages in the meantime.
That isn’t really practical for most, however, there is something of a short term fix available.
According to the GAA, there are two GDPR issues with using WhatsApp.
The first is the fact that when you are placed in a WhatsApp group, your phone number and profile picture is automatically shared with everyone in the group whether you like it or not.
The second problem is concerns over where the data WhatsApp has is being stored – if it is outside of the European Economic Area.
The first issue can be sorted partially by setting up what are known as ‘Broadcast Lists’.
On Iphone, these are located to the left of where you would click to set up a new group in the ‘chats’ section.
A Broadcast List works exactly like a group as you can select the contacts in your phone back that you wish to add to the list.
However, when you send a message to the Broadcast List, the people in it, receive the message directly from you and cannot see who the other people are in the group.
And when they reply, the message goes directly to you also.
Speaking about the issue, GDPR expert Hilary Treacy of Barbican Data Protection Services, says that while this does not solve the GDPR issue entirely – it avoids the risks associated with sharing people’s contact details without their consent.
She said: ” Doing anything with someone else’s personal data requires a legal basis. Consent is just one such legal basis.
“Nobody should be adding someone to a group text without first obtaining their clear, unambiguous permission, and they should also be fully informed that their contact details will be visible to everyone else in the group.”
In light of our story on Monday, the GAA has also released a statement.
They say: “The GAA is aware of the recent commentary relating to our position on GAA Clubs’ use of direct messaging apps such as WhatsApp. Our position is outlined in our Social Medial Policy and supporting guidelines for GAA Clubs.
“This policy has been in place since 2018, driven by the introduction of the GDPR. GAA Clubs, like all data controllers, need to ensure and promote compliance with data protection legislation including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act.
“The GAA already has a GDPR compliant communications mechanism through its Games Management System, which enables multi-channel communications via email, SMS and in-app messaging.
“The GAA’s position on the use of direct messaging apps applies to official communications and correspondence and not to a member’s own personal use.”
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