India gives ultimatum to WhatsApp on policy changes

New Delhi: India has asked messaging app WhatsApp to withdraw the recent changes in its privacy policy, saying unilateral tweaks are unacceptable.

The ministry of electronics and information technology (Meity) said in a letter to WhatsApp chief executive Will Cathcart that India is home to the largest userbase of WhatsApp and one of the biggest markets for its services.

The proposed tweaks to terms of service and privacy policy “raise grave concerns regarding the implications for choice and autonomy of Indian citizens,” the wrote in its letter.

The ministry has asked the messaging app to withdraw proposed tweaks and rethink its approach to privacy, data security and freedom of choice.

The Centre said “unilateral changes to terms of service and privacy won’t be fair and acceptable,” and added that Indians must be “properly respected”.

Photo courtesy: 1pratikyadav/Wikimedia Comons

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