Archive · 16 Sep 2025
Meta Argues Against Data-Sharing Ban in Tribunal
Meta is fighting a ban on sharing data with WhatsApp for ads.
The government's competition watchdog, CCI, says Meta was unfair.
Meta says the ban is unfair because the watchdog didn't explain why it's for five years.
They say the watchdog didn't ask users or competitors for their opinions and that the CCI's findings were based on assumptions.
They argued that their 2021 Update did not affect user privacy.
Meta also claims no competitors have been harmed, as the market is competitive.
The case is at a higher court, the NCLAT.
Meta argued the CCI provided no reasons for the data-sharing ban's duration.
Meta asserts the CCI's findings are based on speculative scenarios.
The CCI failed to contact users or advertisers about the 2021 Update.
Meta claims there is intense competition in the market.
The NCLAT had previously stayed the data-sharing ban.
- Who
- Meta and WhatsApp vs. CCI
- What
- Meta challenged the CCI's 5-year ban on data sharing.
- When
- Arguments concluded on Tuesday.
- Where
- National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)
- Why
- Meta argues CCI order is flawed and provides no valid reasons for the ban.
Meta & WhatsApp's Stance
CCI's Stance
Justification for Ban
Meta & WhatsApp's Stance
The CCI provided no valid reasoning for the 5-year ban.
CCI's Stance
The CCI determined the ban was necessary due to unfair business practices.
Impact of WhatsApp Privacy Policy
Meta & WhatsApp's Stance
The 2021 Update did not impact the privacy of users’ personal messages.
CCI's Stance
The CCI has determined the update affects competition.
Market Dominance and Harm
Meta & WhatsApp's Stance
No evidence exists of harm to competitors, and there is intense competition in the market.
CCI's Stance
The CCI may have believed Meta was leveraging its dominance.
- Parties Involved
- Meta, WhatsApp, CCI, NCLAT
- Action
- Meta challenges CCI data sharing ban
- Penalty
- ₹213.14 crore
- Issue
- WhatsApp privacy policy update (2021)
- Hearing Location
- National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)
- Meta Arguments
- Concluded Tuesday
- CCI Arguments
- September 18 & 19
