Data will not be shared with Meta without your consent; WhatsApp assures Supreme Court

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court of India on Monday heard an important matter related to digital privacy. WhatsApp informed the court that it will comply with the order of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and provide users with greater control over sharing their data with other Meta companies, such as Facebook and Instagram.

During the hearing before a Bench headed by Chief Justice Suryakant, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for WhatsApp, stated that the company will fully adhere to the safeguards prescribed by the CCI regarding advertising-related data sharing, as well as the directions issued by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

The company assured the court that all necessary measures would be implemented by March 16, 2026. Taking this statement on record, the court dismissed the interim stay petitions filed by Meta and WhatsApp. The companies have also been directed to submit a compliance affidavit before the CCI.

Although key legal issues in the matter will continue to be examined, WhatsApp will be required to amend its privacy policy with immediate effect to provide users with a clear consent option regarding data sharing. The move is considered significant for strengthening data privacy protections for Indian users.