WhatsApp told the Delhi High court that it will not force users to accept the controversial WhatsApp privacy policy. Additionally, the messaging app will not limit the messaging services for users who do not wish to accept the terms. The firm assured that it will maintain it until the government of India passes the Data protection bill. The new bill will specify how data will be processed.
WhatsApp privacy policy: Currently on hold
“We voluntarily agreed to put the policy on hold. Will not compel people to accept,” said harish Salve, the advocate representing WhatsApp. “We will continue to remind users from time to time about the update. Moreover, we will maintain this approach until at least the forthcoming PDP law comes into effect,” he added. However, the company will continue to display further updates on the policy.
Further, the advocate told the court that if the new data privacy law does not permit the policy, WhatsApp will either not implement it or shut down business in India. “If Parliament allows me to have a separate policy for India, I will have it. If it does not allow me. I will then have to take a call,” he clarified.
Court appeals and more
Whatsapp and Facebook, its parent company have an appeal against the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Additionally, the policy has drawn severe criticism. It is due to the potential violation of privacy and sharing of the user’s data with Facebook. WhatsApp’s privacy policy was initially expected to come into effect in February 2021. However, the government intervention is what delayed its initiation.
Although CCI had come to a conclusion that WhatsApp’s conduct is unfair to its users. Additionally, the CCI also ordered the director-general to finish investigating the matter within 2 months. Moreover, the situation needs further consideration as the messaging application has over 50 million users in the subcontinent alone.