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Once again, the significance of Data Protection Laws has been reiterated when Facebook-owned Whatsapp refused to comply with Indian government’s order of withdrawing the controversial privacy update in India.
“We will not limit the functionality of how WhatsApp works in the coming weeks… We will maintain this approach until at least the forthcoming data protection law comes into effect” Said spokesperson of whatsapp.
It has been stated that now it’s not necessary to compulsorily accept the new policy, non-acceptance won’t affect any kind of usability, though users surely be sent reminders to step up.
Communication sent to WhatsApp on May 15, the Ministry has once again told WhatsApp to withdraw its 'Privacy Policy 2021' as the "changes to the privacy policy and the manner of introducing these changes including in FAQ undermines the sacrosanct values of informational privacy, data security and user choice for Indian users and harms the rights and interests of Indian citizens."
WhatsApp said it has responded to the IT ministry’s communication on the matter and has assured the government that privacy of Indian users “Remain our highest priority”
"We have responded to the Government of India's letter and assured them that the privacy of users remains our highest priority. As a reminder, the recent update does not change the privacy of people's personal messages. Its purpose is to provide additional information about how people can interact with businesses if they choose to do so," said WhatsApp spokesperson.