The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear appeals from Meta Platforms and WhatsApp LLC challenging a Competition Commission of India (CCI) penalty over privacy policy issues. The CCI imposed a Rs 213.14 crore fine related to WhatsApp’s data-sharing practices in 2021. The matter will be heard by a Special Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi on February 23 at 2 p.m.
Earlier, the Supreme Court expressed concerns over WhatsApp’s privacy policy and data sharing by Meta Platforms. The Court observed that such practices cannot infringe on Indian users’ right to privacy. The case involves appeals against the CCI’s penalty on WhatsApp for allegedly abusing its dominant market position through updated privacy terms.
The CCI has also filed a cross-appeal challenging the NCLAT’s decision allowing WhatsApp to share user data for advertising purposes. The Court criticized the privacy policy as a “take it or leave it” arrangement, questioning the fairness of consumer choices. It highlighted concerns over the impact on ordinary users, emphasizing the need to protect privacy rights.
