WhatsApp Lawsuit Fuels Fears Over India s New Social Media Rules
WhatsApp lawsuit seeks to block regulations taking effect that experts say would compel the firm to break privacy protections. By Reuters | Updated: 26 May 2021 16:50 IST
WhatsApp said it will continue to engage with the government of India on practical solutions
Highlights
Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code unveiled in February
Several countries have introduced a slew of Internet legislation
New rules governing social media companies in India will make it hard for the firms to operate and give authorities the power to censor Internet users, campaigners warned after WhatsApp filed a suit against the Indian government.
May 26, 2021
The Indian government’s threats to ban international social media apps for not complying with new local guidelines are as damaging to the country as they are for these companies.
Today (May 26) is the last day for all social media companies to meet a local regulation in India that was introduced in February and mandates all firms with over five million users to offer traceability of information as well as appoint a grievance officer.
Failing to follow the regulation won’t end in a ban like many clickbait headlines have suggested, but it will result in loss of intermediary status, which means companies like Facebook and Twitter could be criminally liable for any content deemed illegal on their platforms.
Sheikh Saaliq And Zen Soo
FILE - This March 10, 2017 file photo shows the WhatsApp communications app on a smartphone, in New York. The messaging app WhatsApp has sued the Indian government seeking to defend its users privacy and stop new rules that would require it to make messages âtraceableâ to external parties. WhatsApp filed the lawsuit Wednesday, May 26, 2021 in the Delhi High Court, and is arguing that the government rules regarding the traceability of messages are unconstitutional and undermine the fundamental right to privacy. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File) May 26, 2021 - 7:01 AM
NEW DELHI (AP) â The messaging app WhatsApp has sued the Indian government seeking to defend its usersâ privacy and stop new rules that would require it to make messages âtraceableâ to external parties.