Meta Fined $25.4 Million by India; WhatsApp Data Sharing Suspended for Five Years

India’s Competition Commission (CCI) has penalized Meta $25.4 million, citing violations of antitrust laws linked to WhatsApp’s controversial 2021 privacy policy. The CCI also prohibited WhatsApp from sharing user data with Meta-owned companies, including Facebook and Instagram, for advertising purposes for the next five years.

The probe began in March 2021 after WhatsApp's policy update sparked global criticism for mandating user consent to share data with Meta entities. The CCI ruled that access to WhatsApp services in India should not depend on accepting data-sharing conditions.

This development comes as India considers new digital competition regulations to oversee large tech companies. A proposed "Digital Competition Bill" could enforce stricter compliance. The move has met resistance from U.S. tech lobby groups, citing potential impacts on business operations.

Meta has not yet responded to the ruling.