NCLAT Partly Sets Aside CCI Ban on WhatsApp-Meta Data Sharing, Upholds ₹213 Crore Penalty

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has granted partial relief to WhatsApp LLC and Meta Platforms Inc. in their challenge to the Competition Commission of India’s order that imposed a ₹213.14 crore penalty.

While upholding the fine, the Tribunal struck down CCI’s restriction under Section 4(2)(e) of the Competition Act, which barred WhatsApp from sharing user data with Meta entities for advertising.

NCLAT held that such data sharing within Meta’s ecosystem does not amount to abuse of dominance and ruled that WhatsApp may share user data for advertisements, subject to compliance with the law.

[WhatsApp LLC v. CCI; Meta Platforms Inc. v. CCI]