WhatsApp on Wednesday received a firm response from the government over the messaging app not complying with the provisions of the Intermediary Rules and alleging violation of privacy of users. The government clarified that it had no intention of violating the privacy of WhatsApp users even if it required the instant messaging app to disclose the origin of a particular message, adding that the right to privacy was not absolute and subject to “reasonable restrictions”.
Through a press statement, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said that the requirements for identifying the first originator of information were only in case to prevent, investigate, or punish people involved in an offence. The ministry also cited Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and said that the government is committed to ensure the right of privacy to all its citizens.
However, the statement said that it could not be denied that in cases of mob lynching and riots repeated messages were circulated and recirculated through WhatsApp. “Hence the role of who originated is very important,” the ministry said.