WhatsApp’s Privacy Policy Faces Supreme Court Heat, Big Relief for Common Citizens

When a message pops up on our phone, we rarely stop to think about where our private conversations might be going. But the questions raised by the Supreme Court of India regarding WhatsApp’s privacy policy have opened the eyes of millions of common citizens. They were not limited to legal technicalities; they touched the everyday lives of ordinary people.

The bench led by the Chief Justice made it clear that there can be no compromise on the privacy of Indian citizens. While the court’s stern tone has raised concern, it has also reassured people that their rights are being firmly protected.

Court’s Tough Approach on WhatsApp’s Privacy Policy

During the hearing, the Supreme Court sent a clear message to Meta and WhatsApp that operating in India requires respect for Indian laws and the Constitution. The Chief Justice stated that if companies cannot protect the privacy of Indian users, they have no right to function in the country.

The court also firmly said it would not allow even a single digit of Indian users’ data to be shared.

ALSO READ |Apple’s Foldable iPhone Leak Creates Buzz, A Risky Gamble or the Future of iPhone

“Can an Ordinary Citizen Understand This Policy?”

One of the most powerful moments in the hearing came when the court spoke about common people. The Supreme Court questioned whether the privacy policy could be understood by a poor woman, a roadside vendor, or someone who only speaks their local language.

The Chief Justice observed that even well educated people struggle to understand such policies, so expecting rural or less educated citizens to comprehend them is unfair. The court went on to describe this situation as similar to stealing private information.

The 213 Crore Rupee Penalty and What the Case Is About

This controversy stems from WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy. The Competition Commission of India found that WhatsApp was misusing its dominant position by forcing users to share data with other Meta platforms.

Based on this finding, WhatsApp was fined 213 crore rupees. Although the company challenged the decision, the penalty was ultimately upheld.

ALSO READ|Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Creates Buzz, But Can It Truly Impress in 2026 ?

Government Versus Meta, Arguments From Both Sides

The government argued that user data was being exploited for commercial gain, calling the policy exploitative. On the other hand, Meta and WhatsApp claimed that all messages are fully secure and end to end encrypted, meaning even the company cannot read them.

However, the court made it clear that technical explanations alone are not enough. Protecting citizens’ trust and privacy is paramount.

Chief Justice’s Personal Experience Raises Alarm

The Chief Justice shared a personal experience, stating that when someone messages a doctor on WhatsApp about their health, related advertisements often start appearing shortly afterward. Whether this is coincidence or a sign of data usage is a serious question that cannot be ignored.

ALSO READ |Anurag Kashyap Named in Epstein Files? ‘Bollywood Guy’ Claim Sparks Fresh Controversy

Conclusion

This case goes far beyond WhatsApp or Meta. It has become a defining issue for digital privacy and citizens’ rights in India. The Supreme Court’s firm stance sends a positive signal that the privacy of ordinary citizens comes first, regardless of how powerful a technology company may be.

Disclaimer:

This article is based on publicly available information and media reports. It does not intend to accuse or declare any individual or organization guilty. Readers are advised to rely on official judicial orders and statements before forming final opinions.