New Delhi, October 14: WhatsApp, the Meta-owned platform, may reportedly be penalised by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for violating competition laws in India. As per reports, the development follows concerns over WhatsApp's privacy policy update about user data handling. The update, which was reportedly announced in 2021, raised questions about how the platform shares data with its parent company, Meta.

As per a report of LiveMint, CCI might issue an order for breaking the country’s competition law, which may include a penalty. The CCI is getting ready to take steps against WhatsApp for an alleged breach of competition laws related to its privacy policy update from 2021, as per a report of Digit. WhatsApp New Feature Update: Meta-Owned Messaging Platform Introduces New Low-Light Video Calling Mode on iOS and Android; Check Details and Know How To Use It.

The 2021 update to the messaging platform's policy would permit WhatsApp to share specific user information with its parent company, Meta. It has reportedly raised concerns among regulators around the world regarding data privacy and fair competition. Reports suggest that the CCI has started looking into WhatsApp's policy changes to check if they broke any local competition laws.

It seems that the CCI's director general reportedly found that WhatsApp and Meta used their strong market positions unfairly to violate competition rules in India. As per multiple reports, a spokesperson for WhatsApp said, "CCI proceedings are sub-judice and we can’t comment on it."

The DG's report found that WhatsApp's data-sharing agreement gave Meta and its related companies an unfair advantage over their competitors. Meta was reportedly able to get ahead of other digital service providers. Mark Zuckerberg-run Meta allegedly was able to access business transaction information shared on WhatsApp. WhatsApp New Feature Update: Meta-Owned Platform Testing ‘Chat Themes’ Feature To Apply Different Themes to Any Specific Chat.

The CCI has reportedly created a draft order based on the DG's findings. If this draft is approved, WhatsApp and Meta might have to pay fines for their alleged misconduct. A spokesperson for WhatsApp reportedly explained that WhatsApp users were given the choice to either accept or reject the changes to the privacy policy. Those who decided not to accept the update can keep using the app without any limitations or worry about their accounts being deleted.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2024 02:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).