IT Ministry and WhatsApp Discussed On Message Traceability Issue

Shakti - Dec 09, 2018

IT Ministry representatives have online conferences with WhatsApp managers on traceability. This article will bring you the results of the discussion.

According to a source, Indian IT Ministry representatives have online conferences with WhatsApp senior manager on a controversial issue of WhatsApp messages’ traceability.

Due to fake messages has drawn strong criticism overspread, the government requires the identification of messages’ originator on WhatsApp.
According to a state official, the conference with WhatsApp’s senior executives is conducted via video call in December.
However, the result of the meeting is ambiguous since WhatsApp has not had any firm commitment.

The government constantly put pressure on WhatsApp to implement an effective mechanism to restrain fabricated news on the messaging platform as it contributed to mob fury. In fact, at least twelve people have been fueled or lynched by rumors which ranged from misgiving of kidnapping to victims accused of killing cows spread on WhatsApp. Uproars have been initiated by users forwarding as well as wrongly interpreting videos on the messaging platform.

“WhatsApp – a messaging platform”

The government has constantly warned WhatsApp that the company cannot avoid its responsibility in cases the circulation of false information involves the help of the platform. The government likewise demands the development of tools which are able to combat false and fake information along with determining the message originators.

However, according to the company, the platform has been built on the basis of not gather as well as store an account of the messages’ originator and senders. WhatsApp argues that if the platform stores an account of messages which is utilized to implement government surveillance in the future, its premise is changed. Besides, people are not capable of having a personal discussion online.

The company also concur that ‘traceability’, in addition, is inconsistent with the privacy and free speech rights. The demand for accessing and collecting personal data, even if there is no crime conducted would predispose to global ramifications.