IT Ministry tells WhatsApp: Scrap new privacy policy
According to media reports, the Ministry of electronics and information technology issued a notice to WhatsApp urging them to withdraw their privacy policy.
FollowThe IT Ministry believed that WhatsApp privacy policy is violating informational policy, data security and user choice and harms the rights and interests of Indian citizens, government sources said to media.
The government has given 7 days of time-bound to WhatsApp to give their reply to the notice, and as per sources, if WhatsApp comes with a disappointing answer, then necessary actions will be taken with the help of laws against them.
IT Ministry has asked WhatsApp to withdraw their policy in conversation on May 18. They said the giant tech company is violating many provisions that exist under Indian law and rules.
The government is also taking WhatsApp's 'discriminatory treatment' to Indian users vis a vis European users very seriously. The statement they issued said, "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 to Indian users, particularly those that discriminate against Indian users vis-a-vis users in Europe."
WhatsApp has already been backlashed a lot of time from its users since the announcement of the privacy policy. Many have shifted to other instant messaging platforms as well.
As per the media report states, the Ministry has taken the same stand in front of the Delhi High Court, where this issue is sub-judice.
