IT Ministry directs WhatsApp to withdraw new privacy policy: Govt sources

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has directed WhatsApp to withdraw its new privacy policy according to sourcesThe IT Ministry believes that the changes to WhatsApp privacy policy and the manner of introducing the said changes undermines the sacrosanct values of informational privacy data security and user choice and harms the rights and interests of Indian citizens government sources saidThe government has given seven days to WhatsApp to respond to the notice and if no satisfactory response is received necessary steps in consonance with law will be taken sources informedIn a communication to WhatsApp on May 18 the Ministry has once again told the messaging platform to withdraw its privacy policy 2021 they saidThe Ministry in its communication has drawn attention of WhatsApp as to how its new privacy policy is a violation of several provisions of the existing Indian laws and rulesIn fulfilment of its sovereign responsibility to protect the rights and interests of Indian citizens the government will consider various options available to it under laws in India sources addedThe Ministry has also strongly taken up the issue of WhatsApps discriminatory treatment to Indian users visavis users in EuropeIt has stated that 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 visagravevis users in EuropeIt is pertinent to mention here that WhatsApp had faced severe backlash over user concerns that data was being shared with its parent company FacebookSources noted that WhatsApp had earlier claimed that it officially deferred its new privacy policy beyond May 15 2021However the Ministry in its communication has asserted that deferral of the privacy policy beyond May 15 does not absolve WhatsApp from respecting the values of informational privacy data security and user choice for Indian usersIt has highlighted that the changes to the privacy policy and the manner of introducing the changes including by way of FAQ Frequently Asked Questions undermines the values of privacy data security and user choiceThe Ministry has also taken the same stand in the Delhi High Court where this matter is subjudice the source pointed outThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever