NCLAT reserves order on Meta, WhatsApp appeals against CCI penalty

The appeals challenge a penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) related to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update.

By Storyboard18| Sep 29, 2025 10:52 AM

NCLAT reserves order on Meta, WhatsApp appeals against CCI penalty

In January, NCLAT stayed a separate CCI directive that had prohibited WhatsApp from sharing user data with Meta or its affiliates for five years. (Image Source: Unsplash)

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has concluded hearings and reserved its order on appeals filed by Meta Platforms and WhatsApp, according to media reports. The appeals challenge a penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) related to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update.

Meta had contested the CCI’s November 2024 decision, which levied a penalty of ₹213.14 crore over alleged unfair business practices associated with the updated policy. The policy in question allowed WhatsApp to share user data with Meta and its group companies, such as Instagram, without offering users an option to opt out.

In January, NCLAT stayed a separate CCI directive that had prohibited WhatsApp from sharing user data with Meta or its affiliates for five years. The tribunal, while admitting the matter, noted concerns about the potential impact on WhatsApp’s business model, as the service is offered free of charge. The case was taken up for detailed hearing following preliminary arguments on January 16.

Earlier this month, Meta reportedly argued before the tribunal that data collected from WhatsApp users is proprietary and essential to improving its technology.

“By leveraging user data from WhatsApp, Meta can enhance its technology. It’s collected by me, it’s my personal property. Shall I give it to my competitors?” senior advocate Arun Kathpalia, representing Meta, told the tribunal, as per media reports.

Digital

Google Chrome for Android adds AI feature to turn webpages into podcast-style audio

The Google Chrome feature aims to make long, text-heavy articles easier to consume, providing users with a podcast-style playback of webpages while on the move.

Brand Marketing

Crocs wins trademark dispute battle against ‘Croose'

Delhi High Court upholds Crocs’ plea, cancels ‘Croose’ trademark registration (Photo: Unsplash)

Brand Marketing

QComm orders surge 85%, EComm volumes up 21% in first week of festive sales: Unicommerce

Tier II and III cities continued to drive a significant share of order volumes, collectively accounting for around 58% of the total festive transactions during the first festive week.

Digital

Decoding India’s DPDP Rules: Final Rollout Nears, Businesses Face New Compliance Demands

Experts say law is not just regulatory but a strategic lever for trust, innovation, and long-term growth.

The study also highlighted the slow progression of AI adoption.

Digital

Study finds 95% of companies see no return on AI investments due to ‘learning gap’

How it Works

GST relief benefits consumers, but input tax credit withdrawal threatens hotel sector: FHRAI

GST overhaul: The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has urged the government to reinstate Input Tax Credit (ITC)

Advertising

BMC removes over 11,500 illegal banners and posters after Ganesh festival

Digital

Nvidia’s Jensen Huang predicts OpenAI will become next multi-trillion-dollar giant

Jensen Huang revealed that Nvidia is expanding its collaboration with OpenAI to include the start-up’s first self-built AI infrastructure.

The committee is mandated to submit an annual report to the employer each calendar year as per Section 21 of the 2013 Act., DoT circular read.

How it Works

DoT notifies reconstitution of internal complaints committee on workplace sexual harassment; appoints Jyotsna Ekka as Chairperson

Digital

Mark Zuckerberg says spending billions on AI is safer than risking delay on superintelligence

Meta has already committed at least $600 billion through 2028 towards US data centres, infrastructure and talent.

Advertising

From Parle-G to Zepto: Brands go gaga over India's victory

. From clever wordplay and cricket-inspired puns to emotionally charged tributes that tapped into the spirit of national pride, marketers turned the win into a festival of creativity.

Digital