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ARTICLE · 02 DECEMBER 2024

Meta Fined INR 2.13 Billion For Abusing Dominant Position Via WhatsApp Privacy Policy

Singhania & Partners LLP
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On November 18, 2024, the CCI imposed a penalty of Indian Rupees 2.13 billion (approximately US$ 25.3 million) on Meta for abusing its dominant position in violation of the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002, ...

IndiaPrivacy
Dipak Rao
Dipak Rao
Nishita Arora
Nishita Arora
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Introduction

On November 18, 2024, the Competition Commission of India ("CCI") imposed a penalty of Indian Rupees 2.13 billion (approximately US$ 25.3 million) on Meta for abusing its dominant position in violation of the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002, through WhatsApp's updated privacy policy and terms of use.

Beyond the monetary penalty, the CCI directed WhatsApp to stop sharing its user data with other Meta companies or products for advertising purposes for five years from the date of the order. Additionally, the CCI issued specific directives regarding the sharing of user data for purposes other than advertising, including:

  1. Enhanced Privacy Policy Transparency: WhatsApp must provide a detailed explanation in its privacy policy regarding how user data is shared with other Meta companies.

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