CCI Imposes Fine on Meta Over Controversial WhatsApp Privacy Policy

CCI Imposes Fine on Meta: Meta slapped with ₹213.14 cr fine for unfair business practices over WhatsApp privacy policy update in 2021

Besides, Meta has been asked to “cease” from anti-competitive practices.

Meta and WhatsApp have been asked to implement certain behavioural remedies within a time frame to address the anti-competitive issues as per the CCI order.

Also Read: US May Demand Google to Sell Chrome Browser: Report

The regulator has asked for the implementation of various remedies including not sharing data collected on the platform with other Meta companies or Meta company products for advertising purposes for 5 years.

Among other things, CCI has said that sharing of user data collected on WhatsApp with other Meta companies or Meta company products for purposes other than for providing WhatsApp services shall not be made a condition for users to access WhatsApp Service in India.

The Competition Commission of India (Commission) on Monday imposed a penalty of ₹213.14 crore on Meta for abuse of dominance, Passing the order against abuse of dominance, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said this (penalty) is related to how WhatsApp’s 2021 Privacy Policy was rolled out and how user data was collected and shared with other Meta companies.

Also Read: Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith: Michael Vaughan Predicts Key Battle for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

For the case, CCI identified two relevant markets — OTT messaging apps through smartphones in India and online display advertising in India. “Meta Group through WhatsApp was found to be dominant in the market for OTT messaging apps through smartphones in India.

“Moreover, it was also found that Meta has a leading position vis-à-vis its competitors in online display advertising in India,” CCI said.

From January 2021, WhatsApp started notifying users about the changes to its terms of service and privacy policies

The in-app notification from February 8, 2021, said users had to accept these terms, including the expanded data collection and mandatory data sharing with other Meta companies to continue using WhatsApp.

Also Read: Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: AQI Hits 500, Schools & Colleges Go Online, Health Advisory Issued | Top 10 Updates