Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Asks WhatsApp to take back its new privacy policy

Facebook-owned WhatsApp has been in the headlines ever since it was alleged of leaking the user’s data. The brand earlier stated that it has officially deferred the privacy policy beyond May 15, 2021 and it does not absolve WhatsApp from respecting the values of informational privacy, data security and user choice for Indian users. According to the latest reports, the IT Ministry has now directed the message-sharing application to take back its new privacy policy ahead of the given time period.

The IT Ministry has given WhatsApp time till May 25, 2021, to respond to the new notice, wherein it application would have to take back its new privacy policy. If the brand fails to do so “all necessary steps in consonance with the law” could be taken against the platform. On Tuesday ie. May 18, a communication notice was sent to the company by the IT ministry. According to the media reports, a senior official from the ministry apparently stated, “We have a sovereign responsibility to protect the rights and interests of Indian citizens. The government will consider various options available under the law.”

In its communication notice, the IT Ministry directed WhatsApp to withdraw its Privacy Policy 2021. It also stated that the manner of introducing these changes including in FAQ undermines the sacrosanct values of informational privacy, data security, user choice for Indian users harms the rights and interests of Indian citizens. The Ministry has also taken the same stand in the Delhi High Court, wherein this matter is sub-judice.

“As you are doubtlessly aware, many Indian citizens depend on WhatsApp to communicate in everyday life. It is not just problematic, but also irresponsible, for WhatsApp to leverage this position to impose unfair terms and conditions on Indian users, particularly those that discriminate against Indian users vis-à-vis users in Europe,” the new notice read.

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