Supreme Court Warns WhatsApp, Meta: Comply with Indian Data Laws or Exit
The Supreme Court has issued a blunt ultimatum to WhatsApp and Meta, telling them to follow Indian data privacy laws or leave the country. The warning came during a hearing on petitions against WhatsApp’s controversial 2021 privacy policy.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court warned WhatsApp/Meta to comply with Indian law or exit the country.
- The bench expressed serious concerns over data-sharing with third parties.
- Notices have been issued to the Centre, WhatsApp, and Meta; next hearing in August.
- This case highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of big tech data practices in India.
Court’s Stern Warning on Data Protection
A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta raised serious concerns about WhatsApp’s data-sharing practices with third parties, including other Meta companies. The court stressed that the platform cannot operate in a regulatory vacuum and must protect Indian users’ data.
“If you do not want to abide by the law of the land, then you must exit India. You are operating in India, you have millions of subscribers, and you have to follow the Indian law,” the bench told counsel for WhatsApp and Meta.
Background of the Legal Challenge
The petitions challenge WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update, arguing it enables excessive data collection and violates the fundamental right to privacy. The petitioners have sought to restrain WhatsApp from implementing the new policy.
Next Steps in the Case
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre, WhatsApp, and Meta, seeking their detailed responses. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in August. This Supreme Court case is separate from related proceedings in the Delhi High Court.
Broader Regulatory Context
The court’s firm stance reflects intensifying judicial and regulatory scrutiny of big tech data practices in India. This development coincides with the government’s work on the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which aims to establish a comprehensive data handling framework.
