Archive · 20 Nov 2025
CCI Seeks Clarity on User Consent in WhatsApp Case
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is asking the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to clarify if WhatsApp needs user consent to use their data for both advertising and other purposes.
This comes after NCLAT partly allowed WhatsApp's appeal against CCI's penalty and ban for forcing users to accept new privacy terms.
Now, CCI wants to know if users must give permission for WhatsApp to use their data in any way.
CCI seeks clarification from NCLAT on user consent in WhatsApp case
NCLAT earlier set aside CCI's ban on WhatsApp sharing data for ads, but retained INR 213 Cr fine
CCI wants clarity on whether consent is needed for both advertising and non-advertising data use
NCLAT to hear CCI's plea for clarification on November 25
WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update led to CCI's penalty and ban
- Who
- CCI, NCLAT, WhatsApp
- What
- CCI seeks clarification on user consent in WhatsApp case
- When
- November 2024 (CCI's penalty), January 2025 (NCLAT's interim relief), November 2025 (CCI's plea for clarification)
- Where
- India
- Why
- To clarify user consent requirements for WhatsApp's data use
CCI's Stance
WhatsApp's Stance
User Consent
CCI's Stance
CCI argues that user consent is paramount and should be taken regardless of data use purpose.
WhatsApp's Stance
WhatsApp seeks clarity on whether consent is required for advertising purposes.
- Penalty Amount
- INR 213 Cr
- Duration of Ban (initially)
- 5 years
- New Listing Date
- November 25, 2025
- Year of Privacy Policy Update
- 2021
- Year of CCI's Penalty
- 2024