In WhatsApp new privacy policy one of the changes focuses on how users interact with businesses on WhatsApp . Information from those conversions can be used marketing purposes, which may include ads on Facebook
WhatsApp users were initially told to agree to the new terms by May 15 if they want to continue using the app.
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The Cambridge Analytica scandal and the data leak that affected more than 500 million Facebook users show the scale and dangers posed by mass profiling. Profiles can be used to manipulate democratic decisions Global criticism of the new terms of use may give rise to a fundamental rethink of the consent mechanism. Without the trust of the users, no data based business model can be successful in the long run.
So Governments across the world are stepping up in efforts to regulate social media and big tech.
In the new notice, the government has told WhatsApp that deferring the May 15 implementation deadline does not absolve it from respecting the values of informational privacy, data security and user choice for Indian users. The notice directs WhatsApp to withdraw its privacy Policy 2021.
The notice says this is because the changes and the manner of introducing them “ undermine the sacrosanct values of informational privacy, data security and user choice for Indian users and harm the rights and interests of Indian citizens”. The Ministry has also highlighted how WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy is a violation of several provisions of existing Indian laws and rules.
The notice: “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 government has given seven days’ time to WhatsApp to respond to this notice and if no satisfactory response is received, necessary steps in consonance with law will be taken.”
In early 2021 , the government wrote to Will Cathcart (CEO of WhatsApp), asking that the proposed changes to the privacy policy be withdrawn Back then, the government had expressed “ grave concerns ” over the implications of the choice and the autonomy of Indian citizens.
EU citizens were already somewhat safeguarded against WhatsApp privacy policy, because of their GDPR ( General Data Protection Regulations) The GDPR regime enforces strict restrictions on the integration of data sets between apps even if owned by a single parent company Because of this, EU citizens have the option to opt out of the new privacy policy ,and still continue using the app.
In the new notice, the government has pointed out that Indian users who have not been given the option to opt out of data sharing with Facebook companies were being subjected to differential treatment when compared to their European counterparts.
The notice: “As you are doubtlessly aware, many Indian citizens depend on WhatsApp to communicate in everyday life. It is not just problematic, but also irresponsible, for WhatsApp to leverage this position to impose unfair terms and conditions on Indian users, particularly those that discriminate against Indian users vis à vis users in Europe.”
CCI( Competition commission of India) has ordered an investigation into WhatsApp’s proposed privacy policy changes However, experts believe, India needs stringent data privacy laws like EU’s GDPR.
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