Tue Feb 24 00:01:54 UTC 2026: ### WhatsApp Bows to Indian Regulatory Pressure on Data Sharing
The Story:
WhatsApp LLC has conceded to the demands of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) regarding user data sharing with its parent company, Meta. This decision comes after repeated rebukes from the Supreme Court of India. WhatsApp will implement the CCI directions by March 16, 2026, granting users greater control over their data. While WhatsApp is withdrawing its applications seeking a stay on the NCLAT order, its main appeal against the CCI action on its 2021 privacy policy remains pending before the court.
Key Points:
- WhatsApp will comply with CCI directions by March 16, 2026, giving users more control over data sharing with Meta.
- The Supreme Court criticized WhatsApp and Meta’s data-sharing practices, suggesting they “opt out of the country” if privacy concerns were not addressed.
- The CCI originally imposed a five-year ban on sharing user data with Meta for advertising purposes and a penalty of Rs 213.14 crore on Meta in November 2024.
- The NCLAT upheld the penalty but set aside the five-year ban in November 2025.
- The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, is cited as addressing privacy concerns comprehensively.
Key Takeaways:
- Indian courts and regulatory bodies are taking a firm stance on data privacy and user control, even against major tech companies.
- The DPDP Act is seen as a significant piece of legislation in addressing privacy concerns in India.
- Despite conceding on certain points, WhatsApp’s legal battle over its 2021 privacy policy is ongoing, indicating a continued resistance to some regulatory demands.
- The Supreme Court’s strong language highlights the severity of the concerns surrounding data privacy and consent in India.
First Piper 