Meta Challenges ₹10 Lakh CCPA Fine in Delhi HC, Says Marketplace is Not E-commerce

Meta Platforms Inc has approached the Delhi High Court challenging a ₹10 lakh penalty imposed by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), as per PTI reports.  

The fine relates to the alleged unauthorised listing and sale of walkie-talkies on Facebook Marketplace, which fall under regulated product categories requiring approvals and disclosures. 

Court Seeks Clarification on Jurisdiction 

The matter was heard by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, who has listed the case for March 25.  

The court asked Meta to clarify its claim that the CCPA acted without jurisdiction and also questioned why the issue should not be taken up before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. 

Platform Status at the Centre of Dispute 

Meta argued that Facebook Marketplace is not an e-commerce platform but a listing interface for individuals. According to its counsel, the service functions as a notice board where users post items and connect independently, without any transaction support from the platform. 

The company stated that it does not charge commissions, enable payments, or provide logistics support. It also maintained that commercial sellers are not allowed to use the feature, and listings are limited to individuals acting in a personal capacity. 

CCPA Order and Compliance Directions 

In its January 1, 2026, order, the CCPA held that Meta violated provisions under the Consumer Protection Act and Information Technology rules by allowing listings without mandatory disclosures. The authority directed the company to ensure that products requiring regulatory approval are not listed without compliance. 

It also instructed Meta to conduct periodic self-audits to identify misleading listings and publish compliance certificates. The action followed a review of online platforms over the sale of walkie-talkies. 

Investigation Into Online Listings 

The CCPA had taken suo motu cognisance of the issue, identifying more than 16,970 non-compliant listings across platforms. Notices were issued to 13 entities, including major e-commerce companies and digital platforms. 

Jurisdiction and Legal Grounds 

Meta’s petition states that the CCPA incorrectly applied e-commerce rules to a platform that does not facilitate transactions. It also argued that intermediary guidelines fall under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, not the consumer regulator. 

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Conclusion 

The case focuses on how digital platforms are classified under existing rules. The outcome may affect the regulatory treatment of user-driven listing services. 

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