CCI imposes INR 213 Cr fine on Meta for abusing its dominant power

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) fined Meta ₹213 crore for abusing its dominant position through WhatsApp's 2021 Privacy Policy.

CCI found Meta violated Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2002, by:

• Sharing WhatsApp user data with other Meta companies for purposes beyond WhatsApp services, creating barriers for competitors.
• Misusing its dominant position in messaging apps to strengthen its online advertising market presence.

WhatsApp has been directed to stop sharing user data with Meta companies for advertising purposes for five years.

In addition to the fine, CCI imposed cease-and-desist directions and directed Meta and WhatsApp to implement certain behavioural remedies within a defined timeline.