Follow Indian rules or exit: Chief Justice's stark warning to whatsApp

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court has strongly reprimanded WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta, over data sharing. The bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, clearly stated that if they do not follow Indian rules, they should leave the country.

The court stated clearly that any violation of the privacy of citizens in the name of data sharing will not be tolerated. Chief Justice Surya Kant stated that the court will not allow WhatsApp to share any information with any other company.

Lawyers representing WhatsApp argued that users have the option to reject the terms. However, the Chief Justice questioned this, asking how a layperson could understand these complex terms. Citing an example, he asked how a roadside vegetable vendor would understand your terms and conditions written in English. The court accused Meta of only caring about its profits. He said the company is well aware that people have become addicted to WhatsApp and that everyone uses it. Yet, users' personal information is being misused.

The Chief Justice told Meta that the company understands its business interests, but it also understands how it has made users addicted to the app. "How will someone in a remote village in Tamil Nadu, who understands only their local language, understand your terms and conditions?" the court asked Meta for an undertaking that it would not share user information, only then would the case proceed on the merits.

He emphasized that WhatsApp is meant to provide messaging and communication services, not to collect and sell data. Citing the example of receiving a prescription from a doctor, he said that related advertisements begin appearing within minutes, which demonstrates data misuse. Justice Bagchi remarked that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act only addresses privacy, but the company is using data for online advertising.

The next hearing will be held on February 9. Meta is required to file its response, and the central government will also respond to Meta's response. The case relates to WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy, which has raised controversy regarding data sharing. The court has taken a strong stance on protecting user privacy.