Meta

India’s Competition Commission has intensified scrutiny of WhatsApp’s data-sharing practices with its parent company, Meta, signaling renewed concerns over user privacy and potential anti-competitive behavior. The regulator has requested additional clarifications to determine whether the platform’s updated policies could distort market dynamics or compromise consumer choice. As digital ecosystems become increasingly intertwined, policymakers are seeking deeper insight into how companies leverage user information to strengthen their market position.

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has reserved its order in the case concerning data-sharing practices between WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta. The matter, which has attracted regulatory and legal scrutiny, revolves around whether the platform’s updated privacy policy unfairly compels users to share personal information with its parent entity. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had earlier raised concerns over potential abuse of dominance, citing risks to consumer choice and data privacy.

At just 23, Indian-American machine learning engineer Manoj Tumu has transitioned from Amazon to Meta, accepting a total compensation package exceeding $400,000 (approximately Rs. 3.36 crore). The engineering graduate credits his move to the stimulating AI-focused environment at Meta and rigorous interview preparation, not corporate referrals. In a candid narrative for a major tech publication, Tumu shared his early career strategy, interview insights, and the importance of real-world experience over résumé projects.

In a bold maneuver highlighting the intensifying war for elite engineering talent, Meta has successfully recruited Apple’s top silicon executive, reportedly offering a compensation package exceeding Rs. 1,660 crore ($200 million). This landmark hiring underscores Meta’s aggressive strategy to bolster its hardware capabilities, particularly in augmented and virtual reality, as it seeks to build foundational technologies for the next era of computing.

Meta is accelerating its foray into generative video content with the introduction of new AI-powered editing tools. Launched across the Meta AI app, its website, and a standalone editing platform named Edits, the feature enables users to transform 10-second videos using 50 creative presets. From changing outfits to reimagining settings with stylized effects, the tools mark Meta’s response to similar offerings from Google and startups like Captions.

Meta is taking a significant leap in enhancing user experience on WhatsApp by integrating artificial intelligence into its core messaging platform. The upcoming features—AI-powered message summarization and custom wallpaper generation—aim to improve usability, personalization, and efficiency for users navigating the increasingly complex landscape of private chats, groups, and channels. By deploying these tools under the Meta AI initiative, the company is positioning WhatsApp not only as a communication tool but also as an intelligent assistant tailored to the user's digital habits.