In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global tech community, Meta has transferred operational control of WhatsApp to an Indian entrepreneur, prompting the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority to call for an urgent overhaul of digital regulations. The deal, valued at over $500 million, hands the reins to Raghav Gupta, a former Uber executive known for his aggressive expansion strategies. Critics warn this could compromise user privacy and data sovereignty, particularly in Europe, where GDPR compliance is paramount.
Gupta has pledged to maintain end-to-end encryption but hinted at monetising business messaging services. The CMA argues that the current regulatory framework fails to address such cross-border transfers of user data and market power. “This is a watershed moment,” said CMA chair Sarah Cardell.
“We cannot allow a single entity to bypass accountability through jurisdictional loopholes.” The watchdog is pushing for a new Digital Markets Unit with teeth to scrutinise such transactions. For users, the change may bring faster feature rollouts but also increased exposure to targeted advertising.
As Julian Vane, I see this as a classic Black Mirror plot: a tool for private communication becomes a commercial asset, traded like a commodity. The question is whether regulation can catch up with the speed of capital. Quantum computing may soon make encryption obsolete anyway, but for now, the fight for digital sovereignty rages on.
