WhatsApp and Personal Data in Armenia: What Every Business Should Know

shapanwwuopi · Post by **shapanwwuopi** » Sun May 18, 2025 11:27 am

Businesses in Armenia increasingly rely on WhatsApp as a communication channel to connect with customers. However, when handling WhatsApp personal data—such as phone numbers and chat information—it’s crucial for companies to comply with Armenian data protection laws to avoid legal risks and build customer trust.

Armenia’s primary data protection framework is the Law on Personal Data Protection, adopted in 2018, which regulates the collection, processing, storage, and transfer of personal data. WhatsApp numbers are considered personal data under this law and must be handled with care.

Key points for Armenian businesses:

Obtaining Consent: Businesses must obtain clear and armenia whatsapp number data consent from individuals before collecting or using their WhatsApp contact details for marketing or communication purposes. Consent should be specific, freely given, and documented. Using WhatsApp numbers without consent risks violating privacy laws.

Transparency and Purpose: Companies must inform users why their WhatsApp data is being collected, how it will be used, and for how long it will be stored. Personal data must only be used for the stated purposes and not for unrelated activities.

Data Security: Businesses are required to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect WhatsApp data from unauthorized access, leaks, or breaches. This includes securing databases and communications.

Rights of Data Subjects: Individuals have the right to access their data, request corrections, or demand deletion. Businesses should have mechanisms to respond promptly to such requests.

Cross-border Transfers: If WhatsApp data is transferred outside Armenia, companies must ensure the receiving country has adequate data protection laws or apply additional safeguards.

Failing to comply with Armenia’s data protection law can result in fines, sanctions, and reputational harm. The Data Protection Authority of Armenia actively monitors compliance and can investigate complaints.