If there is one thing that people across India are concerned about is the possibility of losing access to the instant messaging app, WhatsApp. There was rumor over Facebook over the recent past that WhatsApp may decide to shut down its operations in India. But worry not, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp has no such plan, as stated the I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
When one pauses to think and analyze, it is clear that what is being presented as a big deal is in fact nothing out of the ordinary.
During the latest Rajya Sabha session, Narendra Modi’s Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw categorically stated that no company including WhatsApp or Meta has warned the government of their pulling out of India. This followed a concern raised by Congress member Vivek Tankha, who wanted to know whether WhatsApp was thinking of skedaddling given the governments’ orders to share users’ details.
Encryption Factor
In fact, this was not the first time that the popular app has courted controversy; earlier in the year WhatsApp had a brief face off with the Delhi High Court. It was communicated to the government, in no uncertain terms, that the messaging giant would prefer to close shop and leave. Privacy is compared to a secret mix that allows us to encrypt our messages while keeping them safe from prying eyes. It can be compared to a sort of a liquid blanket that prevents others from examining the content of your messages. WhatsApp further contended that it would infringe on the fundamental right to privacy and was unconstitutional.
The IT Rules Controversy
The whole crying and wailing began when the IT Rules were newly amended. With regards to these rules, WhatsApp and Meta responded by saying that the rules were in vain as trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. To them, this was against the right to privacy as provided for in the rules. He pointed out that such rules are a bit too harsh and provocative with regards to the constitutional principles.
The Legal Jargon
Let me explain a little on a technical side now. According to the Information Technology Act, 2000, the government can prevent the access of information in a computer resource under section 69A for the sovereignty and integrity of India, the defense of India, the security of state, friendly relations with foreign States or public order. This means that if the government has a feeling that something is wrong and has the potential of causing havoc to a country then they can act on it.
What’s Next?
For now, you can take a deep breath and have no worries. WhatsApp isn’t going anywhere. The statement by Minister Vaishnaw should therefore, silence all the speculation as to where the project is headed. Thus, you can go viral, post memes, gossip in group chats, and send those good morning messages to your families without a worry in the world.
Final Thoughts
And so it goes with privacy versus security – there has to be a balance somewhere. While the government seeks to secure the country, tech giants like those at WhatsApp seek to preserve user anonymity..
Therefore, relax and never stop communicating. Your WhatsApp is definitely not going anywhere, at least not in the nearest future. Like a sturdy bicycle that remains in use regardless of the distance the rider needs to travel, WhatsApp will remain your favored messaging application in India.
