In a recent hearing in the Delhi High Court, Whatsapp and Facebook argued that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has overreached its jurisdiction by ordering an investigation into the Whatsapp new privacy policy since the issue of privacy is already being dealt in a matter being heard by the Supreme Court.
However, the CCI has stated that it was looking into the competition aspect and not the aspect of violation of individuals’ privacy. During the hearing, CCI also said that whether or not the data collection by WhatsApp and sharing it with Facebook would amount to an anti-competitive practice or abuse of dominant position can be determined only after the investigation.
As of now, the Delhi HC has reserved the order in the hearing based on a petition filed by WhatsApp and Facebook challenging CCI’s order directing an investigation into WhatsApp’s 2021 Privacy Policy.
