WhatsApp, the widely used messaging platform, has issued a warning to the Delhi High Court, suggesting that its services in India could come to a halt if the encryption dispute remains unresolved.
The management of WhatsApp has voiced its opposition to the new information technology laws in India, asserting that it was not consulted prior to their implementation. In a recent court hearing, WhatsApp emphasized that it may cease operations in India if compelled to compromise the encryption of messages and calls, a stance it vehemently opposes.
During proceedings in the Delhi High Court, WhatsApp’s legal counsel emphasized the platform’s firm stance against any pressure to dismantle encryption measures, stating, “If pressure is exerted to undermine encryption, WhatsApp may cease operations in India.”
WhatsApp has taken legal action against the new IT laws in India, arguing that they violate users’ right to privacy. The company’s lawyer, Tejas Karia, underscored the importance of privacy-related features to WhatsApp users, highlighting their reliance on the app’s security measures.
WhatsApp contends that the new IT laws infringe upon constitutional rights enshrined in Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Moreover, the messaging giant argues that similar IT laws have not been implemented elsewhere in the world. WhatsApp’s legal representative further explained the logistical challenges posed by these laws, particularly regarding the decryption of messages and the storage of vast amounts of data for extended periods.
In solidarity with WhatsApp’s stance, Facebook has also approached the court, expressing concerns over the potential infringement of users’ privacy rights by the new IT laws.
However, India’s Ministry of Information Technology and Electronics maintains that social media platforms must play a role in resolving disputes, especially concerning fake messages that contribute to societal unrest.
