November 19, 2024_ The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has fined Meta Rs 213.14 crore for abusing its dominant position in relation to...
November 19, 2024_ The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has fined Meta Rs 213.14 crore for abusing its dominant position in relation to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy update. The CCI has ruled that forcing users to agree to expanded data sharing with Meta companies, including Instagram and Facebook, without the option to opt-out, violates competition law. The order bars WhatsApp from sharing user data with Meta companies for advertising purposes for five years, and users must be given the option to opt-out of data sharing for non-essential purposes. The CCI has also ruled that WhatsApp holds a dominant position in the Indian OTT messaging market, while Meta is a leader in online advertising. The news is reported by The Hindu Business Line. This decision underscores the importance of data protection and competition in the Indian digital market.