WhatsApp pay accused of foul play; CCI reviewing antitrust allegations

India’s antitrust watchdog is looking into allegations that Facebook’s WhatsApp is abusing its dominant position by offering payment services to its vast base of messaging app users in the country.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is reviewing a complaint filed in mid-March alleging that WhatsApp was bundling its digital payment facility within its messaging app, allowing it to abuse its market position and penetrate India’s booming digital payments market, the Reuters reported.

WhatsApp and Facebook did not immediately respond to repeated requests for comment. The CCI also did not respond.