Thread by @BiIndia

The Indian government may call #WhatsApp to explain why its new data privacy policy applies in #India but not in #Europe

#WhatsappPrivacy

businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news…

By @jainrounak

@jainrounak #WhatsApp recently announced it is updating its terms of service and privacy policies from February 8. After coming under criticism from all sides, the #Facebook-owned company is now reportedly under the government’s scanner as well.

#WhatsappPrivacy

@jainrounak As part of the new policies, #WhatsApp will start sharing some data with Facebook and its affiliated companies. This move has sparked privacy concerns across the world as WhatsApp users will not be able to use the app without agreeing to the new terms.

#WhatsappPrivacy

@jainrounak As per a TOI report, the Indian government has started examining the controversy surrounding #WhatsApp’s new update. “We are collecting details,” said an official source. The issue is reportedly being discussed at the highest levels of the IT ministry.

#WhatsappPrivacy

@jainrounak As per the source, the government is concerned about the ‘regulatory vacuum’ in terms of data protection in India as there is no data protection law at present.

#WhatsappPrivacy

@jainrounak A bill for a personal data protection law in the Parliament but it is likely to take some time before becoming a law.

#WhatsappPrivacy

@jainrounak The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has asked that the Indian government should either restrict WhatsApp from implementing the new privacy policy on ban #WhatsApp and #Facebook in India.

#WhatsappPrivacy

@jainrounak #WhatsApp has issued a clarification stating that your privacy won’t be affected if you don’t use the two optional features.

#WhatsappPrivacy

@jainrounak However, it has mentioned that any chats with businesses will be shared with #Facebook and ads will be shown based on these chats.

#WhatsappPrivacy #WhatsApp