New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has directed WhatsApp to withdraw its new privacy policy. The IT Ministry believes that changes in WhatsApp Privacy Policy and the way the proposed changes are introduced violate the right values of information privacy, data security and user choice and harm the rights and interests of Indian citizens.
According to sources, the government has given WhatsApp seven days to respond to the notice and if no satisfied reply is received, necessary steps will be taken as per the law. In a communication to WhatsApp on 18 May, the ministry has once again asked the messaging platform to withdraw its privacy policy 2021.
The ministry, in its communication, has attracted the attention of WhatsApp, as to how its new privacy policy is in violation of existing Indian laws and regulations. According to sources, while fulfilling its responsibility to protect the rights and interests of Indian citizens, the government will consider various options available under the laws in India. The ministry strongly took up the issue of discriminatory attitude of Indian users in comparison to WhatsApp users in Europe.
