India Tribunal Lifts WhatsApp Data-Sharing Ban but Upholds $25.4…

Sarah J · 2025-11-10T23:16:10.000Z

An Indian tribunal has lifted the ban on WhatsApp sharing user data with other Meta entities such as Facebook and Instagram, overturning a 2024 order by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). However, it upheld a $25.4 million fine against Meta for abusing its dominant position and imposing unfair terms on users. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) said the CCI’s rationale for the data-sharing ban “was missing altogether,” but maintained the penalty. The case originated from WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy, which critics said forced users to accept data-sharing or lose access. Meta stated the update did not affect the privacy of personal, encrypted messages. India remains Meta’s largest market, with the highest number of users across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

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India Tribunal Lifts WhatsApp Data-Sharing Ban but Upholds $25.4… | SEINET