WhatsApp Puts Privacy Policy On Hold Till Enactment Of Data Privacy Law

New Delhi: WhatsApp told Delhi High Court on Friday that it won’t limit functionality of the messaging app even if a user does accept its new privacy policy — at least till the data protection Bill comes into effect.

The Centre had asked WhatsApp to withdraw its latest privacy policy.

“We will continue to display our updates from time to time to people who have not accepted. In addition, we will display the update whenever a user chooses relevant optional features, like when a user communicates with a business receiving support from Facebook,” said senior advocate Harish Salve, who is representing WhatsApp.

The high court was hearing an appeal against Competition Commission of India’s probe into WhatsApp’s privacy policy.

“The update which triggered the enquiry of CCI is for the present… we have voluntarily agreed to put it on hold,” Salve submitted before the court, adding that if Parliament does not permit such a policy, WhatsApp will either close shop in India or not implement it.

“The commitment is that I will not do anything till the parliamentary law comes. Obviously then if parliamentary law comes, you have to fit within that law. If Parliament allows me to have a separate policy for India, I will have it. If it does not allow me, then bad luck. I will then have to take a call,” Salve said.

WhatsApp and Facebook have both approached the court against CCI’s order.