WhatsApp says it’s addressing misinformation after Indian govt asks for withdrawal of new privacy policy

Besides asking WhatsApp to withdraw its new privacy policy, the Indian government has also asked the messaging platform to respond to some critical questions about its new policy within a week.

Users will be allowed to use the same WhatsApp accounts on four different devices at the same time. (Pixabay)

The Indian government asked WhatsApp yesterday (January 19) to withdraw its new privacy policy and following that order, the Facebook-owned messaging platform has said that it is “working to address misinformation” and is open to answer all queries.

“We wish to reinforce that this update does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook. Our aim is to provide transparency and new options available to engage with businesses so they can serve their customers and grow. WhatsApp will always protect personal messages with end-to-end encryption so that neither WhatsApp nor Facebook can see them. We are working to address misinformation and remain available to answer any questions," a WhatsApp spokesperson said in a statement.

WhatsApp's new privacy policy got most of its users worried about the privacy and the safety of their data and chats. The platform has clarified that data and chat sharing will only happen in the case of chats with businesses on the platform and all private chats remain untouched, encrypted and secure. However, users don't seem convinced and downloads of other messaging platforms, like Signal and Telegram, have witnessed massive spikes.

WhatsApp had initially said it would roll out the new policy on February 8 and if you had not accepted it by then, you would be unable to use the app. After the backlash, WhatsApp has pushed the date of the roll out to May this year, giving itself time to explain its stance and time to users to understand what's going on.

The Indian government has not only asked WhatsApp to withdraw the new policy but also asked the platform to respond to some critical queries on data policy and privacy within a week's time.