Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META) has announced its intention to legally contest a recent ruling by India’s Competition Commission (CCI) that imposes significant restrictions on data-sharing practices between WhatsApp and other Meta-owned applications. The CCI’s order, issued on Monday, prohibits WhatsApp from sharing user data for advertising purposes with its affiliated platforms for a period of five years and includes a substantial fine of $25.4 million for alleged antitrust violations linked to the messaging app’s privacy policy update in 2021.
The investigation into WhatsApp’s privacy policy began in March 2021, following widespread concerns regarding user data management. The policy change allowed for increased data sharing between Meta and its subsidiaries, prompting a global outcry over privacy implications.
In its ruling, the CCI stated, “The sharing of user data collected on WhatsApp with other Meta companies… for purposes other than providing the WhatsApp service shall not be made a condition for users to access WhatsApp Service in India.” This directive aims to protect user privacy and ensure that access to WhatsApp is not contingent upon data sharing.
In response, a Meta spokesperson emphasized that the 2021 privacy policy update did not compromise the confidentiality of users’ personal messages. “We also ensured that no one would have their accounts deleted or lose functionality of the WhatsApp service because of this update,” the spokesperson added.
Meta is committed to safeguarding user rights and believes that the CCI’s ruling misinterprets its data-sharing practices. As the company prepares to mount its legal challenge, it remains focused on providing secure and reliable services to its users in India and around the world.
Read more: