Meta/Facebook Is Worried About India’s New Data Protection Bill

Meta (formerly Facebook) has expressed concern about India’s new data protection bill, which is likely to pass this year. The company cited its worries in its annual report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

“Some countries, such as India, are considering or have passed legislation implementing data protection requirements or requiring local storage and processing of data or similar requirements that could increase the cost and complexity of delivering our services”

Meta (formerly Facebook) annual report to the SEC

Alphabet Inc (Google’s parent company) also expressed similar concerns in its regulatory filings. However, it did not name any particular country.

Meta & Facebook fight against data regulation laws

Meta has previously expressed similar concerns about Europe’s data regulation laws. These laws prevent companies from sending data generated in Europe to servers based in the United States (US).

In its earnings call, Meta had suggested shutting down Facebook and Instagram in Europe if it could not reach a new agreement. The company later cleared this up by saying they had no desire to withdraw from Europe.

“If we are unable to transfer data between and among countries and regions in which we operate, or if we are restricted from sharing data among our products and services, it could affect our ability to provide our services, the manner in which we provide our services or our ability to target ads”

Meta’s annual earnings report

India’s Personal Data Protection Bill

India’s new data protection bill brings in quite a few changes. These changes will deeply affect Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and other social media websites.

The key point is that India’s new data protection bill will prohibit companies from sharing data outside of the country. The bill will also hold social media websites as publishers who can be held accountable for the content they host.