Close Menu
BlogSpotTipsBlogSpotTips
  • Home
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Latest Internet News
    • Social Media
    • Software
  • Game
  • Contact Us !
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
BlogSpotTipsBlogSpotTips
  • Home
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Latest Internet News
    • Social Media
    • Software
  • Game
  • Contact Us !
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
BlogSpotTipsBlogSpotTips
Home»Social Media»WhatsApp Rejects Indian Government’s Demand for Message Traceability
Social Media

WhatsApp Rejects Indian Government’s Demand for Message Traceability

Loknath DasBy Loknath DasAugust 24, 2018No Comments3 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

WhatsApp Rejects Indian Government's Demand for Message Traceability

WhatsApp has rejected India’s demand for a solution to track the origin of messages on its platform, saying building traceability will undermine end-to-end encryption and affect privacy protection for users.

Emphasising that people use its platform for all kinds of “sensitive conversations”, the Facebook-owned company said the focus is on educating people about misinformation.

The government has been pushing WhatsApp to find a technology solution to trace the origin of messages, a move it believes can help curb horrific crimes like mob-lynching emanating from fake news.

“Building traceability would undermine end-to-end encryption and the private nature of WhatsApp, creating the potential for serious misuse. WhatsApp will not weaken the privacy protections we provide,” a WhatsApp spokesperson told PTI.

Sources in IT Ministry said that the government has asserted that WhatsApp should continue to explore technical innovations whereby in case of mass circulation of provocative and nefarious messages inciting violence and crime, the origin can be ascertained.

The ministry is also seeking a more firm assurance of compliance with Indian laws from the company, as well as establishment of grievance officer with wide network, said the source who is familiar with the ministry’s view on the matter.

The ministry has also emphasised that a local corporate entity, subject to Indian laws, be set up by the company in defined timeframe.

Over the past few months, WhatsApp has drawn flak over its use in spreading fake news through its platform that have even incited incidents of mob-lynching in various parts of the country.

WhatsApp Head Chris Daniels had met IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad earlier this week. After the meeting, Mr Prasad told reporters that the government has asked WhatsApp to set up a local corporate entity and find a technology solution to trace the origin of fake messages circulated through its platform as well as appoint a grievance officer.

He acknowledged the role played by the Facebook-owned company in India’s digital story, but was stern that WhatsApp could face abetment charges if it did not take action to tackle the issue of fake news being circulated on its platform.

Mr Daniels had declined to comment on the proceedings after the meeting.

With general elections slated to be held next year in India, the government is taking a stern view of use of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp for spread of misinformation.

India is the largest market for WhatsApp with a base of over 200 million users of the over 1.5 billion global user base.

The government has served two notices to WhatsApp, seeking details of actions it has taken to curb the menace. In its response, WhatsApp had informed that it is building a local team, including having an India head, and has introduced new features to let its users identify forwarded messages.

WhatsApp has also restricted the number of forwards that can be done at a time.

Besides, the company is also running advocacy and education programme to help people spot fake news.

Last month, WhatsApp top executives, including COO Matthew Idema, met IT Secretary and other Indian government officials to outline various steps being taken by the company on the issue.

[“source=gadgets.ndtv”]

demand for governments Indian message Rejects Traceability WhatsApp
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Loknath Das

Related Posts

Social Media and Relationships

May 27, 2025

Online Counselling for Individuals and Couples

May 27, 2025

The Best Time to Post on Threads in 2025 — Data from 700K+ Posts

May 20, 2025
Recent Post
  • Financial Audits and Payment Compliance: The Role of TPS
  • Social Media and Relationships
  • Online Counselling for Individuals and Couples
  • The Best Time to Post on Threads in 2025 — Data from 700K+ Posts
  • Using AI-powered Enterprise Interfaces to Optimize Operational Efficiency
  • How to Grow Your Brand with Micro Influencer Marketing
  • What Are the 8 Different Types of Video Game Articles?
  • Strategies for Greater Financial Flexibility: 5 Smart Ways to Repay Your Home Loan Faster
Search
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us !
© 2025 BlogSpotTips. Designed by BlogSpotTips.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.