The electronics and information Ministry has directed WhatsApp to withdraw its new privacy policy. The ministry believes that the sacrosanct values of Indian citizens have been harmed by the new policy.

The ministry has given a week to WhatsApp to respond to the notice. If no satisfactory response is received in this direction, necessary steps will be taken in accordance with law.

Sources said that the ministry told WhatsApp to withdraw its privacy policy on May 18 as the privacy policy is a violation of several provisions of existing laws and rules. The ministry has strongly taken up the issue of discriminatory treatment of WhatsApp towards Indian users.

It 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 vis-α-vis users in Europe."

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 users. It 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 choice.

(with inputs from source:indiatvnews)