Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is planning to contest a Rs 213.14-crore fine imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for alleged anti-competitive practices linked to WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update, according to news agency PTI.

In a major blow to WhatsApp, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has slapped a penalty of INR 213.14 Cr on its parent Meta.

WhatsApp parent Meta plans to contest the Rs 213.14 crore fine imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for alleged anti-competitive practices tied to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update,

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of ₹213.14 crore (approximately USD 25.4 million) on Meta Platforms for abusing its dominant position through WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy

Meta has expressed disagreement with the CCI's ₹213 crore fine over WhatsApp's privacy policy, citing concerns about data-sharing terms.

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has expressed its disagreement with the recent ruling by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and announced plans to appeal. The decision, which penalised Meta Rs 213.14 crore, revolves around WhatsApp’s controversial 2021 privacy policy update.

The investigation revealed that WhatsApp compelled users to share data with Meta’s family of companies, including Facebook and Instagram, without offering an opt-out option.

In January 2021, WhatsApp had notified users that it was updating its privacy policy – which was mandatory for them to accept – with an expanded scope of data collection and data sharing between Meta companies.

The watchdog concluded that the 2021 policy update by WhatsApp on a "take-it-or-leave-it" basis constitutes an imposition of unfair conditions.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a fine worth approximately ₹213.1 crore ($25.4 million) on WhatsApp over antitrust breaches related to the privacy policy case running since 2021.