National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has given WhatsApp Payments the approval to expand its beta testing but Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) has sought an immediate rollback of the WhatsApp Payments pilot project.
Previously, the independent think tank had filed a public interest litigation (PIL) before the Supreme Court against the launch of WhatsApp Payments. The CASC questioned WhatsApp and Facebook’s data localisation compliance and WhatsApp ability to handle digital payments.
Among other objections, the CASC said there cannot be any blanket permission for trials and it should be restricted by duration, number of supporting banks and monetary limits.
Finally, the Supreme Court was urged to direct the Reserve Bank of India to officially declare the permission granted to WhatsApp Payments to run trials in India. It also wants the RBI to disclose the communications between WhatsApp, UPI-managing body NPCI and the apex bank itself.
WhatsApp Payments has been in testing mode with 1 Mn users since 2018. In the span, the platform had set a date for its launch, but controversies and tussle with the Indian government never let it walk that aisle.
NPCI has given its approval to WhatsApp Payments, but in a phased manner. WhatsApp Payments will reportedly be allowed to open its services for 10 Mn users initially. Further, WhatsApp will only be allowed a full rollout after it adheres to all pending complaints, if any.
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