Chennai: The Union government has once again asked Facebook-owned messaging service WhatsApp to withdraw its controversial new privacy policy.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in a communication, stated that deferral of the privacy policy beyond 15 May does not absolve WhatsApp from respecting the values of informational privacy, data security and user choice for Indian users.
In its notice to the company, the ministry said there were various options available for the messaging platform under the Indian law. The government has told WhatsApp to respond by 25 May.
The Ministry said it was irresponsible for the platform to leverage its position in Indian market to impose unfair conditions.
MeitY has given the popular instant messaging provider seven days to offer a “satisfactory” response. Failure to do so, the ministry warned, will prompt lawful measures.
“In fulfilment of its sovereign responsibility to protect the rights and interests of Indian citizens, the government of India will consider various options available to it under laws in India,” the letter reads.