The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has concluded hearings on Meta Platforms and WhatsApp's appeals challenging the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) Rs 213.14 crore penalty for alleged unfair business practices. The case revolves around WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update, which sparked controversy and regulatory scrutiny.

Key Developments

• The NCLAT bench has reserved its judgment after hearing arguments from both sides.
• All parties have been directed to submit written notes.
• The CCI's original order included a five-year ban on sharing WhatsApp user data with other Meta companies for advertising purposes.

Meta's Arguments

Meta's counsel presented several points during the hearings:

1. Accused the CCI of making inaccurate statements in its order.
2. Argued that the regulator's five-year data-sharing ban lacked proper reasoning.
3. Contended that the CCI failed to address their arguments adequately.
4. Claimed the CCI incorrectly interpreted Supreme Court judgments regarding market dominance in online display advertisements.

CCI's Defense

The CCI's counsel stood firm on their position:

1. Defended the penalty, stating that WhatsApp abused its dominant position.
2. Argued that WhatsApp imposed the privacy policy on a 'take it or leave it' basis.
3. Asserted that the matter falls under competition law jurisdiction.

Background of the Case

• The CCI's original order directed Meta to cease anti-competitive practices and implement behavioral remedies.
• A key component of the order was a five-year ban on sharing WhatsApp user data with other Meta companies for advertising purposes.
• NCLAT had issued an interim order staying the five-year ban.

The case highlights the ongoing global scrutiny of tech giants' data practices and their impact on fair competition. The NCLAT's final judgment, once issued, could have significant implications for Meta's operations in India, particularly concerning data sharing between its various platforms.

As the tech industry and regulators closely watch this case, it underscores the complex interplay between privacy policies, data sharing, and competition law in the digital age. The outcome may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in India and potentially influence regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions.

Meta Platforms has taken a significant leap in the smart glasses market with the announcement of its new Ray-Ban Display glasses at Connect 2025. These cutting-edge wearables feature full-color, high-resolution in-lens displays, allowing users to interact with digital content without the need to look at their smartphones.

Revolutionary Neural Band Control

One of the most innovative aspects of the new Ray-Ban Display glasses is their control mechanism. Meta has introduced a Neural Band wrist device that reads muscle signals, enabling users to control the glasses through intuitive gestures. This technology marks a significant advancement in human-computer interaction, potentially setting a new standard for wearable tech interfaces.

Enhanced Features and Functionality

The Display glasses offer a range of practical applications, including:

• Checking messages
• Previewing photos
• Interacting with AI assistants

These functions can be performed seamlessly while wearing the glasses, enhancing user convenience and reducing reliance on smartphones for quick information access.

Expanded Product Line

In addition to the Display glasses, Meta has also unveiled:

1. Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2: An updated version of their smart glasses with an impressive 8-hour battery life.
2. Oakley Meta Vanguard: A new offering specifically designed for athletes, expanding Meta's reach in the wearable tech market.

Design Collaboration and Comfort

Chris Cox, Meta's Chief Product Officer, emphasized the company's collaboration with EssilorLuxottica in designing the glasses. The partnership focused on creating comfortable and lightweight wearables that blend technology with fashion, addressing one of the key challenges in smart glasses adoption.

Global Availability

Meta has announced plans for a phased global rollout:

• India: The Display glasses will be available soon.
• Global markets including the UK: Availability planned for early 2026.

Competitive Positioning

Cox positioned Meta as a leader in the smart glasses space, noting that the company is ahead of competitors like Apple in offering display glasses. He also highlighted Meta's ongoing efforts in developing personal computing devices and exploring neural interfaces beyond voice control.

Future Developments

While Meta continues to innovate in wearable technology, the company hasn't ruled out the possibility of building a smartwatch in the future. This suggests that Meta is keeping its options open in the rapidly evolving wearable tech landscape.

The introduction of these new smart glasses demonstrates Meta's commitment to pushing the boundaries of personal computing and augmented reality. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these innovations shape the future of human-computer interaction and daily digital experiences.