WhatsApp withdraws challenge to NCLAT order, assures user consent on data sharing

Messaging and calling app WhatsApp has withdrawn its petition challenging the December order of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). Additionally, the Meta-owned company has also informed the Supreme Court of India that it will give users under the Meta platform more control over whether their data is shared with other companies. The company said it will comply with the directions issued by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in this regard.

NCLAT had directed the platform to implement CCI’s instructions and put in place a mechanism to obtain mandatory user consent for data sharing. The quasi-judicial body had granted three months for compliance.

The company told the court it would ensure implementation of the order by March 16, and sought withdrawal of its interim application, which the court allowed.

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However, the Supreme Court clarified that the matter concerning the validity of WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy will continue to remain pending.