CCI Order Forces WhatsApp to Revise Privacy Policy and Data Sharing Rules

WhatsApp has informed the Supreme Court that it will follow the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) advisory on user data sharing with Meta. The order directs WhatsApp to provide users with a clear choice between sharing their data with Meta Platforms and other Meta businesses. This decision comes in response to concerns about privacy and targeted advertising. The Supreme Court, supervised by India's Chief Justice, has summoned WhatsApp and Meta to respond to a petition seeking a five-year ban on WhatsApp advertisements. This remark was previously made by the CCI during their inquiry into WhatsApp's privacy policies.

WhatsApp had previously questioned the decision of the National company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), which ordered the corporation to create a user-consent-based data sharing system. However, the corporation has chosen to withdraw its challenge and comply with the judgment. WhatsApp's senior counsel stated that the business has already provided details detailing its data-sharing procedures and would stick to the guidelines within the time frame specified.

In India, the Supreme Court had already condemned WhatsApp and Meta for privacy issues. The court stated that it would not permit businesses to misuse the personal information of millions of Indian users. It further stated that the right to privacy is a constitutional right that must not be violated for commercial or corporate objectives.

The problem began in 2021, when WhatsApp revised its privacy policy. The new policy forced users to accept increased data collection and sharing conditions with Meta in order to continue using the app. This prompted legal challenges and investigations by the CCI. The regulator then placed a Rs 213 crore penalty on WhatsApp for utilizing its dominant market position. Now, with WhatsApp agreeing to comply, users in India may soon get more control over their WhatsApp data privacy settings. The case highlights the growing focus on digital privacy, data protection laws, and competition regulations in India’s fast-growing tech ecosystem.

This article is based on information from Deccan Herald