India Supreme Court Raps Meta, WhatsApp
Analysis based on 10 articles · First reported Feb 03, 2026 · Last updated Feb 03, 2026
The India — Supreme Court of India's strong stance against the data-sharing practices of Meta Platforms — WhatsApp and Meta Platforms could lead to significant regulatory changes, potentially impacting Meta Platforms' advertising revenue and operational model in India. This event signals increased scrutiny on tech companies' data privacy policies, which may prompt other nations to follow suit, creating a ripple effect across the global tech market.
The India — Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over the data-sharing practices of Meta Platforms — WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta Platforms, in connection with Meta Platforms — WhatsApp's 2021 'take it or leave it' privacy policy. The court is hearing appeals arising from a India — Election Commission of India order that imposed a Rs. 213.14 crore penalty on Meta Platforms. While the India — National Company Law Appellate Tribunal had upheld the penalty and partially allowed data sharing for advertising, the India — Supreme Court of India has strongly asserted that it will not permit the violation of citizens' right to privacy, calling the practice a 'mockery of constitutionalism' and 'theft on privacy.' Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi highlighted concerns about 'manufactured consent' and the ineffectiveness of opt-out mechanisms for users. The court has posted the matter for February 9, 2026, to issue interim directions and has also impleaded the Union of India as a respondent.
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