India restricts WhatsApp sharing data with other Meta entities, imposes $25.4M fine
India's data protection authority has taken strong action against WhatsApp, imposing a $25.4 million fine and restricting the messaging platform from sharing users' personal data with its parent company Meta and other affiliated organizations.
The Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) ruled that WhatsApp's data sharing practices violated user privacy and consent requirements under Indian law. The decision blocks WhatsApp from sharing Indian users' information with Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta-owned platforms without explicit permission.
The ruling specifically targets WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update, which allowed broader data sharing across Meta's family of apps. Indian regulators found this practice compromised user privacy and failed to provide adequate transparency about how personal information would be used.
"WhatsApp must obtain clear consent before sharing any user data across Meta's platforms," stated DPBI Commissioner Rajesh Kumar. "The current blanket approach to data sharing does not meet India's privacy standards."
The $25.4 million penalty reflects both the scale of WhatsApp's Indian user base - over 500 million people - and the board's determination to enforce data protection rules. WhatsApp has 30 days to implement changes ensuring Indian users can opt out of cross-platform data sharing.
Meta spokesperson Sarah Chen responded: "We respect India's privacy regulations and will review the order carefully. WhatsApp remains committed to protecting user privacy while providing valuable services to Indian customers."
This ruling marks India's largest privacy-related fine to date and sets a precedent for how global tech companies must handle user data in the world's largest democracy. The decision aligns with growing worldwide scrutiny of big tech's data practices and cross-platform information sharing.
WhatsApp can appeal the ruling within 60 days, though the company must comply with the data-sharing restrictions during any appeal process. The messaging platform faces similar regulatory challenges in other major markets, including the European Union.
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