WhatsApp Privacy Policy Case: Competition Commission Slaps INR 213 Crore Penalty on Meta for Misusing WhatsApp Data

New Delhi, November 18: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Monday imposed a penalty of Rs 213.14 crore on social media major Meta for unfair business ways with respect to WhatsApp privacy policy update done in 2021. Besides, the competition watchdog has directed Meta to cease and desist from anti-competitive practices. The Competition Commission of India (Commission) on Monday imposed a penalty of Rs 213.14 crore on Meta for abusing its dominant position, an order stated. What Is Secret Code for Locked Chats in WhatsApp? Check Details and Know How To Use It.

Passing the order against abuse of dominance, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said this (penalty) relates to how WhatsApp's 2021 Privacy Policy was implemented and how user data was collected and shared with other Meta companies. Meta and WhatsApp have also been asked to implement certain behavioural remedies within a defined timeline to address the anti-competition issues, according to the order. WhatsApp Privacy Policy Case: Facebook-Owned Messaging App Tells Delhi High Court That It Will Not Enforce the Privacy Policy Until Data Protection Bill Comes Out.

For the case, CCI delineated two relevant markets -- OTT messaging apps through smartphones in India, and online display advertising in India. "Meta Group operating through WhatsApp was found to be dominant in the market for OTT messaging apps through smartphones in India. "Furthermore, it was also found that Meta holds a leading position compared to its competitors in online display advertising in India," the release said.

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