Strict restrictions on data sharing
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a fine of Rs 213.14 crore on social media giant Meta (formerly Facebook). This action has been taken due to the change made by WhatsApp in its privacy policy in 2021, which was revealed as an abuse of Meta’s dominant market position.
Strict control on data sharing
CCI has directed WhatsApp not to share the data collected from its users with other meta companies for advertising purposes. Additionally, WhatsApp will have to clearly state in its privacy policy which data and for what purpose will be shared with other meta products.
In 2021, WhatsApp updated its privacy policy, in which it was made mandatory for users to share data under the new terms of service. This change was on a “Take-it-or-Leave-it” basis for the users, due to which the CCI considered it to be against the freedom of users and a violation of the Competition Act.
Important changes in WhatsApp
CCI has directed WhatsApp not to allow Meta to share user data only for advertising purposes for the next five years. Additionally, users will have to choose whether they want to share their data with meta companies or not.
blow to meta
India is Meta’s biggest market, where WhatsApp has more than 500 million users. This decision of CCI can give a big blow to Meta’s data-driven business strategies. Now Meta will have to bring changes in its policy, which may affect its data management strategies.