Global tech giant Meta Platforms has approached India’s top consumer court challenging the Central Consumer Protection Authority’s (CCPA) apex court’s January order classifying Facebook as an “e-commerce platform” under consumer protection laws in a case related to the alleged unauthorized listing and sale of walkie-talkies on Facebook Marketplace.
The appeal came before the Delhi bench of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) on Wednesday, where the commission accepted Meta’s appeal and issued a notice to the consumer authority.
The commission also barred the CCPA from taking enforcement action against Meta, noting that the company had already imposed ₹According to the regulation, a fine of 10 million was imposed. The matter was tabled for further hearing in October 2026.
Although Meta imposed the fine, it contested the legal classification of Facebook Marketplace as “e-commerce platform,” arguing that it does not operate like an online marketplace like Amazon or Flipkart, and that the classification could have broader business and regulatory implications for the company.
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“E-commerce entity” is defined as “any person who owns, operates or manages a digital or electronic device or platform for e-commerce” under the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020.
Meta argued that Facebook Marketplace should not automatically be considered an e-commerce entity under consumer protection laws and challenged the applicability of the Consumer Protection Act, e-commerce rules and advertising guidelines to its platform.
The company further argued that Facebook Marketplace is only a “bulletin” for users to post listings and not a commercial marketplace facilitating transactions. According to the company, Meta does not facilitate sales and purchases, charge commissions or earn consideration from transactions made through the platform.
On this basis, Meta argued that the CCPA lacked authority to classify Facebook Marketplace as an e-commerce platform under consumer protection laws.
Queries sent to the Meta platforms seeking answers to the matter remained unanswered as of press time.
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The dispute arises out of an order dated January 1, 2026 issued by the CCPA pursuant to a suo motu explore radio listings on Facebook Marketplace. Transceivers are regulated products under India’s radio frequency licensing regime and require statutory approval and compliance with telecommunication rules.
In its January ranking, CCPA ruled that 13 online platforms, including Amazon India, Flipkart, Meesho and JioMart, had allowed listing and sale of unauthorized walkie-talkies allegedly in violation of consumer protection and telecom rules.
The consumer watchdog also ordered Meta to conduct regular self-audits of its platform and publish audit certificates on its website in the public and consumer interest.
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Before approaching the consumer court, Meta challenged the CCPA order in the Delhi High Court.
In its March 25 order, the high court said parts of the CCPA’s guidelines are broad and can be interpreted to apply to all products listed on Facebook Marketplace.
The Supreme Court clarified that the order should not automatically apply to every entry and said Meta would be entitled to a fair hearing in future investigations.
The court, however, declined to look into the main plea, noting that the Consumer Protection Act provides for an appeal before the NCDRC, following which Meta moved the Consumer Commission.
