CCI fines Meta ₹213.14 crore over WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy
On 18 November 2024 in New Delhi, the Competition Commission of India imposed a ₹213.14 crore penalty on Meta for abusing its dominant position through WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update.
Summary
On 18 November 2024 in New Delhi, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a penalty of ₹213.14 crore on Meta for abusing its dominant position, in relation to how WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update was implemented and how user data was collected and shared with other Meta companies. The CCI found Meta, through WhatsApp, dominant in the market for OTT messaging apps through smartphones in India, and held that the 'take-it-or-leave-it' update imposed an unfair condition. It also issued cease-and-desist directions and ordered behavioural remedies within a set timeline.
Key facts
- Date
- 18 Nov 2024
- Regulator
- Competition Commission of India
- Penalty
- ₹213.14 crore on Meta
- Issue
- WhatsApp 2021 privacy policy; data sharing with Meta companies
- Relevant markets
- OTT messaging apps via smartphones; online display advertising
- Finding
- 'Take-it-or-leave-it' update = unfair condition (abuse of dominance)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
What penalty did the Competition Commission of India impose on Meta on 18 November 2024 over WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹213.14 crore
PIB (CCI): the Commission imposed a penalty of ₹213.14 crore on Meta for abusing its dominant position.
In the Meta-WhatsApp case decided on 18 November 2024, in which relevant market did the CCI find Meta (through WhatsApp) dominant?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — OTT messaging apps through smartphones in India
PIB (CCI): the CCI delineated two relevant markets and found Meta, through WhatsApp, dominant in the market for OTT messaging apps through smartphones in India.