Lekha G
Facebook-owned WhatsApp has moved the Delhi High Court against the Indian Government to prevent the new Information Technology regulations from being enforced claiming that the new rules infringe user’s privacy.
According to the new rules, the social media platforms were directed to remove any offending content within 36 hours on government’s directive or a legal order and aid in identifying originator of messages.
In this context, a WhatsApp spokesperson said, “It would break end-to-end encryption and fundamentally undermines people’s right to privacy. We have consistently joined civil society and experts around the world in opposing requirements that would violate the privacy of our users.”
The company has further said that it would continue to engage with Government of India in drawing out practical solutions to ensure user’s privacy and respond to valid legal requests with the information available to them.
The Information Technology Rules, 2021 were announced by the Centre on February 25, 2021 to regulate social media platforms by imposing a code of ethics and mandating a three-tier grievance redressal framework.