SC clears decks for CCI probe into WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy

The apex court cleared the decks for the regulator to further probe and reach finality in the case it initiated in March 2021 against WhatsApp for alleged abuse of dominance

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The counsel for Whatsapp had also argued that the privacy policy in question is being examined by the Supreme Court (SC) and so the investigation cannot be allowed until that matter is resolved

Bhavini Mishra New Delhi

6 min read Last Updated : Oct 14 2022 | 11:33 PM IST

In a setback for Meta-owned WhatsApp, the Supreme Court on Friday cleared the path for the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI’s) probe into the messaging platform’s updated privacy policy of 2021.

The apex court cleared the decks for the regulator to further probe and reach finality in the case it initiated in March 2021 against WhatsApp for alleged abuse of dominance. The regulator viewed the data-sharing policy as exploitative and having the risk of an exclusionary effect.

The SC’s interim order came on an appeal by WhatsApp and Meta which challenged a Delhi High Court decision that went against the messaging platform. The appeal sought a stay on the CCI probe.