Archive · 15 Sep 2025
WhatsApp Argues CCI Overstepped Jurisdiction on Privacy
WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta, are in a legal battle with India's competition regulator, the CCI.
The CCI fined WhatsApp for how it handles user data in its privacy policy.
WhatsApp argues that the CCI is overstepping its bounds by addressing privacy, which they say is the job of other government bodies.
They also say that the data they collect is their private property and helps improve their services.
The appellate tribunal is currently hearing the arguments, and a five-year ban imposed by CCI might lead to collapse of WhatsApp's business model.
The tribunal has asked Meta to deposit half of the fine to be able to get a stay on it.
WhatsApp and Meta are challenging a CCI order at the NCLAT.
The CCI had imposed a fine of Rs 213.14 crore on Meta and a five-year ban on data-sharing.
WhatsApp argues that the CCI overstepped its jurisdiction by focusing on data privacy.
The tribunal previously deferred the hearing due to the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules.
Meta claims user data collected from WhatsApp is its private property.
- Who
- WhatsApp and Meta are appealing a CCI order.
- What
- WhatsApp is challenging the CCI's fine and restrictions related to its 2021 privacy policy.
- When
- The NCLAT hearing is ongoing, with arguments continuing next week.
- Where
- The case is being heard at the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in India.
- Why
- WhatsApp argues the CCI overstepped its jurisdiction and focused on privacy issues.
- Companies Involved
- WhatsApp, Meta, CCI (Competition Commission of India)
- Fine Imposed
- Rs 213.14 crore
- Issue
- WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy
- NCLAT's Ruling
- Hearing arguments; previously deferred due to DPDP Rules
- WhatsApp's Argument
- CCI overstepped its jurisdiction by addressing data privacy instead of competition issues