PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION BILL: NEW WHATSAPP PRIVACY POLICY CASE IS REMINDER THAT INDIA NEEDS TO ENACT THE LAW WhatsApp has refused to withdraw its new privacy policy that was implemented on May 15. The Indian government previously asked WhatsApp to roll back its controversial policy or face action under Indian law. WhatsApp initially stated that it would delete the accounts of users not accepting the new privacy policy. After facing severe backlash, the company then made changes and said it would limit the functionality of the app. Following various developments, the Indian government asked WhatsApp to withdraw or revise the new privacy policy by March 25 and warned action against the firm stating it has “various options” available to it under Indian law. The messaging app, which has over 400 million users in India, refused to do so until the Personal Data Protection (PDP) law comes into effect. The GDPR does not permit WhatsApp to share its data with Facebook or any other third-party company. Similarly, when converted into a law, PDP would grant extensive data protection rights to Indian citizens while imposing limitations on the collection and processing of personal and sensitive data. Reddy & Reddy Law Firm is a multidisciplinary law firm. It offers legal advice in varied matters and is actively engaged in resolution of Commercial Disputes.