The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a strong warning to Meta, the US-based technology company that owns WhatsApp, over concerns related to the instant messaging platform’s privacy policy and user data protection in India.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya made it clear that compliance with Indian laws is non-negotiable, stressing that user data cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
‘You Can’t Play With the Privacy of Our Country’
Reprimanding the company, the Chief Justice said, “You can’t play with the privacy of our country. We will not allow you to share a single digit of our data.” The court underscored that Indian citizens’ data must remain protected and handled strictly in accordance with domestic legal frameworks.
The bench also indicated that business operations in India are contingent upon adherence to national laws, adding that Meta is free to exit the country if it is unwilling to comply.
Focus on Data Sovereignty and User Rights
The court’s remarks reflect growing judicial scrutiny over data sovereignty, digital privacy, and the responsibilities of global technology platforms operating in India. WhatsApp’s privacy policy has been under examination for its provisions related to data sharing and user consent.
The Supreme Court has consistently maintained that user privacy is a fundamental right, and any policy that undermines this principle will face strict legal review.
Next Steps
The matter is expected to continue in court, with further submissions likely from Meta and regulatory authorities. The outcome could have wide-ranging implications for digital platforms, data governance, and privacy standards in India.
