India Throws Out Antitrust Complaint Against WhatsApp

India’s antitrust watchdog has dismissed a case against Facebook’s WhatsApp, ruling that the company has not abused its dominant position to expand into the country’s digital payments market, according Yahoo.

A case in March alleged that WhatsApp was bundling its digital payment facility – WhatsApp Pay – within its messaging app for which it already has a large user base. The case alleged WhatsApp was abusing its position by forcing its payments feature onto its existing users.

In a 41-page official order made public late on Tuesday, August 18, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) stated it did not find any contravention of antitrust laws, adding the company’s “actual conduct is yet to manifest in the market,” as it has not fully launched the service yet.

“As stated by WhatsApp, the number of users being served under the beta version is limited to less than 1% of its users in India,” stated the order.

The order will come as a relief for WhatsApp, which is seen close to a full launch of its payments service in its biggest market by users but one where it has for months struggled to get required clearances. The Supreme Court is separately hearing cases challenging the expansion of its payment service.

Full Content: Yahoo

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