Parliamentary panel members flag concerns over WhatsApp's proposed new privacy policy
New Delhi: Members of a parliamentary panel on Thursday flagged the issue of proposed changes in the privacy policy of WhatsApp and highlighted concerns of Indian citizens, sources said.
WhatsApp representatives who appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology said the proposed changes are aimed at bringing in more transparency and the chat and calls on platform still remain end-to-end encrypted, some of the members said.
Some other members who attended the meeting maintained that the company was "evasive" in its reply on the issue of how it can bring in changes which are not conducive for Indian users. "They had no reply," said a member.
The member also claimed that company representative agreed that data was being monetised.
The committee interacted separately with representatives of Facebook, Twitter and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
After the meeting, a WhatsApp spokesperson said in a statement, "We wish to thank the Honorable Parliamentary Committee for giving us an opportunity to appear before them and provide our views. We look forward to assisting the Hon'ble Committee in future as well."
In a strongly-worded letter to WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had earlier this week said the proposed changes to the WhatsApp Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, without giving users an option to opt-out, "raise grave concerns regarding the implications for the choice and autonomy of Indian citizens".
The letter noted that with over 400 million users in India, the changes will have a disproportionate impact on the country's citizens.
WhatsApp had earlier this month begun asking its 2 billion users worldwide to accept an update of its privacy policy if they want to keep using the popular messaging app. The new terms caused an outcry among technology experts, privacy advocates and users and triggered a wave of defections to rival services such as Signal and Telegram.
In the updated policy, it got a right to share data it collected from WhatsApp users with the broader Facebook network, which includes Instagram, regardless of owning any accounts or profiles there. Some businesses, as per the new policy, were to use Facebook-owned servers to store messages.
This triggered an outcry regardless of WhatsApp's assertion that all private messages between friends and family members remain end-to-end encrypted.
WhatsApp had on January 16 delayed the introduction of the new privacy policy to May 15 after user backlash over sharing of user data and information with the parent company, Facebook Inc.
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CID investigation accelerated in Neha Hiremath Murder, CM Siddaramaiah ensures strict punishment
Bidar: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed strong condemnation for the tragic murder of Neha Hiremath from Hubli and has assured speedy action against the accused through an expedited CID investigation.
Speaking to the media in Bidar today, the Chief Minister addressed the BJP's call for a CBI investigation, stating, "Did the BJP refer any cases to the CBI during their tenure? I have done so while in power. What moral authority do they have to demand it now? This should not be politicized." He further said that the accused has been already apprehended and that the CID is actively conducting investigations, with a charge sheet to be prepared soon.
Stern approach to justice, no political exploitation
CM Siddaramaiah urged other parties not to politicise Neha's murder, stressing the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring severe punishment for the guilty parties. "Neha's murder was an injustice, and we unequivocally condemn it. It should not be exploited for political gains," he asserted.
Modi's unfulfilled promises
Responding to criticism from Prime Minister Modi regarding the Congress manifesto's wealth redistribution plans, Siddaramaiah questioned Modi's track record of fulfilling promises, such as the infamous pledge of depositing 15 lakh rupees into each citizen's account and creating 2 crore jobs. He challenged whether Modi has effectively addressed the issue of rising essential commodity prices.
Continuation of muslim community reservation
Addressing Modi's remarks on Congress's proposed redistribution of reservation quotas to include the Muslim community, Siddaramaiah clarified that the 4% reservation for Muslims has been in place since 1994, based on the Chinnappa Reddy Commission's recommendation. He highlighted that despite challenges in the past, this reservation continues to be upheld, reaffirming the government's commitment to social justice.
