ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 26th June. Click Here for more information.
Why in News?
The Union government has asked WhatsApp to withdraw the proposed changes to its privacy policy.
Facts:
Questions Posed by Government to WhatsApp:
Source: Business Standard
Key Concerns over WhatsApp Privacy Policy:
- Privacy of Citizens: The policy should be reconsidered to respect the informational privacy, freedom of choice and data security of Indian citizens.
- Differential Policies: The privacy policy for European users specifically prohibits the use of any information shared with Facebook. This clause is not present in the privacy policy offered to Indian users.
- All or nothing approach: Government has objected to the all-or-nothing approach of WhatsApp. This approach forces users to accept the new service terms and privacy policies, without giving an option to opt-out.
- Supreme Court Judgments: Government has reminded WhatsApp about the Puttaswamy vs. Union of India(2017) judgment where the Supreme Court has ruled that Fundamental Right to Privacy is intrinsic to life and liberty and comes under Article 21 of the Indian constitution.
Further Reading on WhatsApp Privacy Policy: http://bit.ly/38Ww0jk
