WhatsApp Data Sharing Case: Meta to Comply With CCI Directions by March 16, Tells Supreme Court

The long-running legal battle over the 2021 privacy policy of WhatsApp has once again reached the Supreme Court of India. In a key development, the messaging platform informed the court that it will fully comply with directions issued by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) regarding user data sharing with its parent company Meta Platforms by March 16.

The assurance could significantly impact millions of users concerned about privacy and data protection.

WhatsApp’s Assurance in Court

During the hearing, WhatsApp’s senior counsel told the bench that the company would implement all safeguards mandated by regulators within the stipulated timeline. The commitment follows the December 2025 order of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), which had directed Meta to roll out compliance measures within three months.

The Supreme Court bench recorded the submissions and asked WhatsApp to file a formal compliance affidavit.

What Changes for Users

Under the directions of CCI and NCLAT:

• WhatsApp cannot compulsorily share user data with Meta for non-core services.

• Users must be given a clear and transparent opt-out option.

• Consent must be explicit and revocable at any time.

This means users will gain more control over how their data is used across Meta’s platforms.

Why CCI Took Action

The competition watchdog had alleged that WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy allowed extensive data sharing across Meta’s ecosystem, potentially strengthening the company’s market dominance.

According to the regulator, combining user data from multiple platforms could create an unfair competitive advantage. The watchdog had launched a detailed probe into the policy.

Origin of the Dispute

The controversy began with WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update, which permitted sharing of certain user information—such as:

• Phone numbers

• Device details

• Business interaction data

Critics argued the policy effectively forced users to accept broader data sharing.

In November 2024, CCI imposed a penalty of ₹213.14 crore on Meta and WhatsApp. The companies challenged the order before NCLAT.

What NCLAT Ruled

The appellate tribunal largely upheld CCI’s findings and penalty. However, it removed the earlier five-year ban on data sharing for advertising purposes.

The tribunal clarified that user consent is mandatory for both advertising and non-advertising data sharing.

What Happens Next

Both the regulator and Meta have approached the Supreme Court over different aspects of the ruling, keeping the matter legally active. The court has now asked WhatsApp to submit a compliance affidavit, and further hearings are expected.

Bottom Line

If implemented as promised by March 16, the new safeguards could give WhatsApp users in India greater transparency and control over their personal data—marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate over digital privacy and competition.