Delhi HC notice to FB and WhatsApp on plea to bring companies under telecom licencing laws

NEW DELHI: The Delhi HC on Monday sought a response from social media companies Facebook and WhatsApp on a plea to regulate them under telecom licensing laws applicable to Voice over Internet Protocol services, which both platforms provide.

According to the petitioner, an internet service provider, unregulated functioning of the platforms was “a threat to national security”, besides causing a loss to the exchequer. It said internet telephony services offered by both platforms should be stopped till they comply with the licensing requirements.