iWorld
Centre urges Delhi HC to restrain WhatsApp from implementing new privacy policy
KOLKATA: The Union government has urged the Delhi high court to restrain messaging app WhatsApp from implementing its controversial new privacy policy, stating that the terms are not in alignment with IT rules 2011.
“WhatsApp may be restrained from implementing its new privacy policy and terms of service dated 4 January 2021 from 8 February 2021 or any subsequent date pending adjudication by this hon'ble' court," an affidavit by the ministry of electronics and information technology (MEITY) said.
The ministry also said in the court that the policy does not specify what type of sensitive personal data is being collected. WhatsApp has also failed to notify user details of collection of sensitive personal information under new guidelines, MEITY noted. Moreover, the policy does not leave an option to review or amend information, or withdraw consent retrospectively. Further, it does not guarantee further non-disclosure by third parties.
MEITY filed the affidavit in response to a petition filed by Dr Seema Singh, Meghan and Vikram Singh. The petition stated that the new WhatsApp privacy policy is violative of the fundamental right to privacy under Article 21. It does not even provide the users to have an option to protect their personal data by opting out of their policy, the petition contended.
Earlier this week, minister of state for IT and communications Sanjay Dhotre informed the Lok Sabha that the government has asked WhatsApp to review the proposed changes.
The next hearing in the matter has been posted for 20 April.
Earlier this month, in response to another petition on the issue, the Centre had sought more time to examine WhatsApp's new privacy policy which is slated to come into effect from 15 May. It had informed the court that the government is already working on a data protection bill. It also suggested that the high court should take note of the differential treatment given to users in regards with the new privacy policy as compared to the instant messaging application's policy in the European Union countries.
WhatsApp's new privacy policy was introduced on 4 January and was initially expected to come into effect on 8 February, but was later deferred to 15 May amid severe backlash from all corners. The app plans to make it mandatory for users to agree to its new data sharing norms, a key point of which is allegedly sharing data from WhatsApp business chats with Facebook. Since there was no opt-out option, there were apprehensions about privacy which led people to migrate to alternate messaging apps, like Signal and Telegram.
iWorld
Prime Video bets big on India with global originals, films and franchise expansion
Execs highlight scale, travelability and new IP bets as India anchors global strategy
MUMBAI: At Prime Video Presents 2026, the message was clear and confident. India is not just part of the plan, it is central to it.
In a lively fireside chat hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, Kelly Day, vice president of prime video and amazon mgm studios international, Nicole Clemens, vice president of international originals, and Gaurav Gandhi, vice president for Apac and Anz, laid out an ambitious roadmap. Think bigger stories, wider reach and a sharper focus on building franchises that travel.
Kelly Day, a regular visitor to India, set the tone early. Calling the country “one of the most important markets globally”, she pointed to the sheer scale and diversity of audiences as a driving force behind Prime Video’s growth. Indian Originals, she said, are not just local hits but global engines powering subscriptions and engagement.
That global appeal is already visible. According to Clemens, around 25 percent of viewership for Indian content now comes from outside the country. Shows rooted deeply in local culture are finding fans worldwide, proving that specificity, when paired with universal themes, travels well. From gritty dramas to sharp thrillers, Indian storytelling is increasingly crossing borders with ease.
Clemens, who joined recently to lead international originals, was particularly upbeat about India’s creative range. She highlighted a growing slate of over 100 shows in development and production, with more than 60 percent returning for multiple seasons. For her, the formula is simple. Authentic stories, told well, resonate everywhere.
Adding to the buzz, she teased new and returning titles, alongside a fresh superhero universe, the Kalyug Warriors. It signals a push into new genres while doubling down on familiar fan favourites.
If content is king, distribution is the clever courtier. Day outlined Prime Video’s layered business model in India, which blends subscription, rentals, add on channels and ad supported viewing through Amazon MX Player. The idea is straightforward. Give viewers choice, whether they want premium, free or pay per view.
India, she noted, has also become a testing ground for innovation. Tiered pricing, mobile only plans and language diversity have all been sharpened here before being exported to other markets. In many ways, the India playbook is now influencing global strategy.
For Gaurav Gandhi, the next chapter is about scale with intent. He outlined four priorities. Making Prime Video more accessible, pushing Indian content globally, building stronger franchises and supercharging the films business.
On films, the platform is moving beyond licensing into co productions and now theatrical releases in partnership with amazon mgm studios. These films will eventually stream on Prime Video, creating a full circle from cinema halls to living rooms across 240 countries.
Franchise building remains another key pillar. With hits like The Family Man, Mirzapur and Panchayat already enjoying multi season success, the focus is now on creating the next wave of enduring IP. Newer titles are already lining up for second seasons, signalling a steady pipeline.
What stood out through the conversation was a shared belief. Streaming in India is still in its early innings, and the runway is long. With a mix of local flavour and global ambition, Prime Video is betting that stories from India will not just stay at home, but travel far and wide.
Or as the executives seemed to suggest, the world is watching and India has plenty more to show.
