Recently, the Supreme Court took a strong stance against WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta Platforms. It said the messaging app cannot share personal data of Indian users. The court called such sharing an “exploitation” of citizens’ privacy and a form of “theft” of personal information. Read on to get full details.
Bench Highlights Privacy Concerns
A Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymala Bagchi and V.M. Pancholi was hearing appeals from WhatsApp, Meta and the Competition Commission of India. The case was about a Rs 213.14 crore fine linked to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy rules. The court warned and said,
“We will not allow you to share a single word of data with Meta or anyone else.” It added, “You are making a mockery of the constitutionalism of this country. How can you play with the right of privacy of people like this?”
Opt-Out Policy Not Enough
WhatsApp argued that users could opt out of sharing data with Meta. However, the court said the process was too technical for most people. Citizens were effectively forced to share personal information, the judges observed.
Moreover, the court also rejected Meta’s claim that WhatsApp is free. It noted that users pay with their data, calling it a “hidden charge” for the service. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta added that personal data is commercially exploited, not just collected.
Way Forward
The Supreme Court’s order ensures user privacy is protected while the appeals continue. It highlighted the need for clarity in data-sharing policies so ordinary citizens can understand what happens with their personal information via Hindustan Times
