WhatsApp’s Data-Sharing Ban Temporarily Halted by Appellate Tribunal
Indian National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has suspended the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) five-year data-sharing ban on WhatsApp. Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, sought to overturn the directive, arguing it would harm its business in India.
NCLAT stated that the ban could "collapse" WhatsApp's business model. Meta claims the order restricts its ability to provide personalized ads on Facebook and Instagram, potentially leading to the "roll back or pause" of certain features in India.
Meta has welcomed the interim ruling and will consider its next steps. CCI has yet to comment on the decision.
As per the Tribunal's order, WhatsApp must provide an opt-out option for users regarding a 2021 privacy policy update, as mandated by the original antitrust order.