WhatsApp to SC: Will Extend Privacy Guidelines to Ad Data as per NCLAT Directions

• WhatsApp and Meta Platforms Inc. informed the Supreme Court they will comply with NCLAT's directions to extend CCI's privacy and consent guidelines to advertising-related data.
• The tech giants are appealing NCLAT's December directions, while CCI filed a cross-appeal against NCLAT allowing data sharing for advertising.
• CJI Surya Kant noted submissions by Kapil Sibal that appellants will implement tribunal's directions by March 16, dismissing stay applications.
• The court clarified dismissal is without prejudice to main appeal issues and sought a compliance report from the companies.
• The apex court is hearing appeals against a CCI penalty of Rs 213.14 crore on WhatsApp over its privacy policy, previously rebuking firms for privacy violations.