WhatsApp has clarified in the Supreme Court that users’ data will not be shared with Meta and the company will follow the CCI instructions. The move strengthens users’ data security and privacy following the controversial privacy policy update of 2021. The company has assured to implement all the necessary changes by March 16.
WhatsApp Data Security Update: Instant messaging app WhatsApp assured the Supreme Court that users’ personal data will no longer be shared with Meta and the company will comply with CCI directions. This step has been taken after the controversial privacy policy update of 2021. Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing in the court, said that all the security measures will be implemented by March 16, which will ensure the privacy and data security of crores of Indian users.
Background of the controversy and 2021 policy
WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update was the main reason for this controversy. This update allowed users’ data such as phone numbers, device information, and interactions with business accounts to be shared with Meta. Critics described it as a “take-it-or-leave-it” policy and that it gave rise to privacy and competition issues.
CCI and regulatory orders Subsequently, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) initiated an investigation and directed WhatsApp to implement security measures within 3 months. In the Supreme Court, the company has now said that it will follow these instructions and said that it can withdraw the appeal.
WhatsApp statement and affidavit in court
Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for WhatsApp, said that the company has followed the instructions given in the December 2025 decision of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). He clarified in the affidavit that user privacy was not violated due to sharing of data for advertising purposes.
This information was given before a bench of three judges headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant. Kapil Sibal said that WhatsApp’s technology gives priority to privacy and there has been no violation of law.
What matters for users and data security
This update impacts the data security and privacy of millions of Indian users. It was made clear in the Supreme Court that now WhatsApp will not share users’ personal data with Meta and will implement all security measures.
Apart from this, the company said that all the changes will be implemented by March 16, which will further strengthen the control over users’ data.
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