Whatsapp

SC defers Meta-WhatsApp privacy policy case hearing to February 23

The Supreme Court on Monday deferred to February 23 pleas of Meta Platforms Inc and WhatsApp against a Competition Commission of India (CCI) order imposing a penalty of Rs 213.14 crore over privacy policy. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria was told that senior advocate Kapil Sibal was unwell and hence the hearing should be adjourned. The bench said it would take up the pleas for passing an interim order on February 23. It permitted a litigant represented by senior advocate Arvind Datar to be made a party to the case. On February 3, the bench made strong observations against Meta Platforms Inc and WhatsApp, saying they could not "play with the right to privacy of citizens in the name of data sharing" and alleged that they were creating a monopoly in the market and committing theft of private information of customers. Decrying WhatsApp's privacy policy, the bench referred to "silent customers" who were unorganised

Pesky messages flood WhatsApp as 96% users report daily spam: Survey

Over half of users say they receive 1-3 spam messages on WhatsApp every day, while 30 per cent get 4-7 such messages and 11 per cent report getting eight or more unwanted messages daily

Opt out of India, you are creating monopoly, SC tells Meta, WhatsApp

Supreme Court warns Meta and WhatsApp that they cannot operate in India without complying with Indian law, flags risks to users' data and market competition

Exit India if you can't abide by Constitution: SC to WhatsApp parent Meta

The court was hearing Meta's plea against a Competition Commission of India order that imposed a penalty of ₹213.14 crore over WhatsApp's privacy policy

SC to pass interim order on Feb 9 in WhatsApp, Meta privacy policy case

The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on Meta Platforms Inc and WhatsApp while hearing their appeals against a Competition Commission of India order imposing a penalty of Rs 213.14 crore over the privacy policy, saying tech giants cannot "play with the right to privacy of citizens in the name of data sharing". A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said that it will pass an interim order on February 9. The top court ordered that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology be made a party to the petitions. It was hearing appeals filed by Meta and WhatsApp against a National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) judgment that upheld the CCI's findings of abuse of dominance, while granting limited relief on advertising-related data sharing. "You can't play with the right of privacy of this country in the name of data sharing. We will not allow you to share a single word of the data, either you give an ...

Tech Wrap Jan 30: Spotify group chat, Google Project Genie, Vivo V70 series

Spotify announces group chat. Google's Project Genie rolled out. Vivo to launch the V70 series in India. Nothing to skip flagship in 2026. Samsung to unveil Galaxy F70 series on Feb 2

US investigates claims Meta could access private WhatsApp messages

Meta has previously been accused of running afoul of rules meant to protect user privacy, including several data and privacy mishaps that ultimately led to a record $5 bn fine by the US FTC in 2019

WhatsApp unveils strict account settings to safeguard users: What's new

The new features called "Strict Account Settings," is a one-click button in WhatsApp's settings that activates a series of defenses

Meta plans subscription to unlock features across Instagram, FB, WhatsApp

Meta is reportedly planning to test paid subscriptions across Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp to unlock exclusive features, AI tools and added controls, while keeping core services free

Meta hit with international lawsuit over alleged WhatsApp privacy breaches

Plaintiffs allege Meta and WhatsApp can access users' private chats, accusing the company of misleading billions worldwide about WhatsApp's privacy and security claim

Meta temporarily blocks teen access to AI characters ahead of LA trial

Meta is halting teens' access to artificial intelligence characters, at least temporarily, the company said in a blog post Friday. Meta Platforms Inc, which own Instagram and WhatsApp, said that starting in the "coming weeks," teens will no longer be able to access AI characters "until the updated experience is ready" This applies to anyone who gave Meta a birthday that makes them a minor, as well as "people who claim to be adults but who we suspect are teens based on our age prediction technology." The move comes the week before Meta - along with TikTok and Google's YouTube - is scheduled to stand trial in Los Angeles over its apps' harms to children. Teens will still be able to access Meta's AI assistant, just not the characters. Other companies have also banned teens from AI chatbots amid growing concerns about the effects of artificial intelligence conversations on children. Character.AI announced its ban last fall. That company is facing several lawsuits over child safety, .

WhatsApp may let iPhone users share group chat history with new members

Reportedly, WhatsApp is testing a new iOS feature that lets users share up to 100 recent group messages with newly added members, helping them catch up instantly

Tech Wrap Jan 19: Lava Blaze Duo 3, Gemini's Answer now tool, WhatsApp web

Lava launches Blaze Duo 3. Gemini app gets 'Answer now' option. Group calls on WhatsApp web in the works. Forza Horizon 6. Apple App Store ad redesign. iPhone 18 Pro

Soon, WhatsApp Web may support group calling for up to 32 users: Report

WhatsApp is reportedly testing group voice and video calling on its web client, with support for up to 32 participants, along with call links and scheduled calls

Meta, WhatsApp move Supreme Court against NCLAT's ₹213 crore penalty order

The regulator had concluded that this "take-it-or-leave-it" approach related to WhatsApp's privacy policy of 2021 amounted to an abuse of dominance in the market for over-the-top messaging services

Tech Wrap Jan 12: Claude for Healthcare, Lava Blaze Duo 3, Samsung theme

Claude for Healthcare launched. Lava Blaze Duo 3. Samsung releases Stranger Things themes. WhatsApp profile with cover photos. Google releases in-app check-out option. iPhone 17e

Soon, you can customise WhatsApp profile with Facebook-like cover photo

Reportedly, WhatsApp is testing a new feature that may soon allow iOS users to add cover photos to their profiles, offering more profile customisation beyond just a profile picture

Street signs: WhatsApp leaks test insider controls, NSE IPO buzz picks up

From WhatsApp leaks testing insider trading controls to Sebi's regulatory review push and revived hopes for an NSE IPO, key signals emerge from Dalal Street

Tech Wrap Jan 8: Oppo Reno 15 series, POCO M8 launched, WhatsApp features

Oppo launched the Reno 15 series. POCO M8 launched in India. WhatsApp adds new features for group chats. OpenAI introduces ChatGPT Health. Nothing to launch CMF Headphone Pro on Jan 13

Tech Wrap Jan 7: Motorola Razr Fold, Meta Ray-Ban display glasses, WhatsApp

Motorola launched Razr Fold. Meta Ray-Ban display glasses update. WhatsApp parental control features. Lenovo, ASUS, Acer at CES 2026. Noise Master Buds 2