WhatsApp Threatens to Quit India Over Encryption

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Apr 26, 2024

Image copyright: Chesnot/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Imagesstory last updated Apr 27

The Facts

Meta-owned WhatsApp told the Delhi High Court on Friday that it would rather halt its India operations than compromise end-to-end message encryption that it said ensures user privacy.
It made the statement during a plea hearing challenging one of India's IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules from 2021.

The Spin

Narrative A

Undermining encryption for traceability threatens privacy rights, as governments worldwide could easily exploit this beyond combating misinformation, raising concerns about surveillance and free speech. The outcome may shape the future of digital communications in India and beyond, highlighting the tension between privacy, security, and government control over online platforms.

Wired

Narrative B

WhatsApp's opposition to India's IT Rules is sheer defiance. End-to-end encryption can hinder the ability to trace dangerous criminals, and WhatsApp's stance on privacy contradicts Facebook's data-sharing policies. Regulation is essential to maintaining law and order and combating fake news. The messaging platform and other social media players must comply.