CCI Fines Meta $25.4 Million For Antitrust Violations
CCI Fines Meta $25.4 Million For Antitrust Violations
The tech giant was probed for WhatsApp allowing data sharing with Facebook and its units
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of Rs.2.14 billion ($25.4 million) on Meta for antitrust violations related to privacy policy.
It also directed WhatsApp to refrain from sharing user data for advertising with other apps owned by Meta for five years.
India's competition watchdog launched a probe in March 2021 into WhatsApp's privacy policy, which allowed data sharing with Facebook and its units. The action sparked global criticism.
The CCI stated, "Sharing user data collected on WhatsApp with other Meta companies for purposes other than providing WhatsApp service shall not be made a condition for users to access WhatsApp service in India.”
Tech giants Apple and Google also face regulatory challenges with India's proposed European Union-like antitrust laws.
The Government of India is examining a February report from a panel established by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The report recommended a Digital Competition Bill to complement existing antitrust laws.
However, the US-India Business Council, a key US lobby group, is opposed to the move fearing a business impact.
