Meta Platforms Inc., formerly Facebook Inc., is preparing for an appeal against the ruling of India’s antitrust watchdog, CCI, which accused WhatsApp of using its dominance in the messaging app market. The company will challenge the decision on procedural fairness and because it was allowed under the local law.

The CCI’s Allegations

The CCI is probing into the new changes in WhatsApp’s privacy policy that began in 2021, which created a furor. Detractors said the policy compelled users to accept data-sharing policies with Meta subsidiary sites such as Facebook and Instagram, which could prove anti-competitive and anti-consumer. The CCI went ahead and determined that such practices were unlawful under India’s antitrust laws, which directed Meta to cough up a sizeable penalty and alter its business regarding the nation.

Meta’s Response

Meta has not admitted to any wrongdoing, insisting that WhatsApp’s privacy policy does not violate any regulations in India. In the company’s view, the decision-making by the CCI is partly based on assumptions that have not been backed by enough evidence to claim monopolistic intentions. Meta has stated that WhatsApp faces stiff competition as there are lots of messaging apps that are used by Indians.

According to a Meta representative, the company is willing to appeal as it strictly adheres to transparency and users’ data privacy. ‘We do not feel that the CCI is right in its decision, and we will be keen to contest the matter,’ the spokesman said.

Impact on Indian Users

India, which is now WhatsApp’s biggest market with over 560 million users, is still a key area for Meta. This legal case could affect new features and updates on the app and the nature of services it brings to the country.

As the government intensifies efforts to enhance data protection and control over competition, the action in the mentioned case indicates that Big Tech in India is now facing more regulatory pressure. Meta platform’s appeal is likely to trigger a legal tussle that may define competitive conduct among technology companies in one of the biggest digital economies.