Govt Asks WhatsApp To Withdraw Privacy Policy Update

New Delhi: The government has reportedly asked Facebook Inc-owned WhatsApp to withdraw the changes to its privacy policy announced by the messaging app earlier this month, saying the new terms take away choice from Indian users.

“The proposed changes raise grave concerns regarding the implications for the choice and autonomy of Indian citizens,” the Electronics and Information Technology Ministry said in an email addressed to WhatsApp boss Will Cathcart, news agency Reuters reported.

“Therefore, you are called upon to withdraw the proposed changes,” added the email dated January 18, 2021.

According to the Reuters report, WhatsApp did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Earlier, the messaging app had claimed that its new privacy policy update does not affect the privacy of users’ messages with friends, family and in groups.

The company last week said it would delay the new policy launch to May from February, after facing a raft of criticism over the new terms including in its biggest market of India.

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