According to the watchdog, all consumer communication apps are offered free of cost or at a very low price and are normally characterised by simple user interfaces so that costs of switching to a new app are minimal for consumers. "Furthermore, the expansion of Hike Messenger to nearly 100 million user base within three years of launching their services into the aforesaid market reflects that in this market, there are no significant barriers to entry and consumers appear to be price sensitive," the order said.
Besides, CCI said that allegations of WhatsApp breaching the Information Technology Act, 2000 do not fall within the purview of examination under the provisions of the Competition Act. The complaint was filed by one Rajasthan-based chartered accountant Vinod Kumar Gupta on behalf of the Fight for Transparency Society.
News Source- BloombergQuint