Democracy and technology are the two most defining themes of the twenty-first century. Recently, the general belief seems to be that democracy is in crisis. Many seem to have one gnawing concern is democracy failing? How do we fix democracy? Is this the end of democracy? A Google search of these three phrases gives 52,800,000 hits on the first, 56,000,000 hits on the second, and 247,000,000 on the last. But we must ask ourselves, is it the very concept of democracy that is perceived to be failing or is it liberal democracy that is receiving a pushback? Could it not be said that democracy is in an evolution churn, same as the disruption we see across every aspect of life?
Synopsis
It, however, would continue to nudge users to allow them to share data of business transactions to third party companies including its parent Facebook
AP
Daniel Reinhardt/dpa via AP
WhatsApp has told the government that it will not restrict the functionality of the messaging app for Indian users who do not accept its contentious privacy policy till the country s proposed personal data protection law comes into effect. It, however, would continue to nudge users to allow them to share data of business transactions to third party companies including its parent Facebook, people familiar with the development said. They will wait for the Personal Data Protection Bill to be passed. Till then, WhatsApp will send reminders to accept the new policy and not disable any feature, a senior government official told ET. The Bill which is currently with the Joint Parliamentary Committee is likely to be tabled in the Parliament later this year.
Privacy Delayed Is Privacy Denied
Each day that goes by without a data protection law, the government is failing in its positive obligation to create a framework that enables us to exercise our fundamental right to privacy effectively.
Representative image of two boys on their phones during the lockdown in Mumbai. Photo: PTI
Tech7 hours ago
Recently, both houses of parliament reportedly granted a fourth extension to the joint parliamentary committee to submit its report on the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 (PDP Bill). The previous extension for the submission of the report was granted until the second part of the Budget Session. Several news reports anticipated that the Committee would positively submit its report and the finalised draft of the PDP Bill in the Budget Session. Parliament, however, was adjourned
Red tick
WhatsApp’s changes to its privacy policy are violative of user privacy and consumer rights Now that WhatsApp has clearly indicated in its response to the Centre’s missive last week that it cannot roll back changes to its privacy policy, the latter has no option but to act. The absence of a personal data protection law is a huge handicap in this context but the existing laws, specifically Sections 43A and 72A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, read along with rules framed thereunder, offer scope for the government to act against WhatsApp. Such a course of action may take the battle to the courts but that may not be a bad option as the courts seem best positioned now to offer relief to users and help the law evolve. There is already a PIL being heard in the Delhi High Court on this issue. The basic problem with WhatsApp’s move is that it fails to provide a guarantee against non-disclosure to third parties or allow users to withdraw consent later. . These rules
WhatsApp won t limit functionality for those who don t accept new policy
WhatsApp won t limit functionality for those who don t accept new policy
WhatsApp has said that it will not limit the functionality for users not agreeing to its new privacy policy.
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(Picture: Reuters)
WhatsApp on Monday said it will not limit the functionality for users not agreeing to its new privacy policy. The company added that it will continue to remind users about the update and “maintain this approach” till Personal Data Protection Bill comes into effect.
A WhatsApp spokesperson said, We have responded to Government of India’s letter and assured them that the privacy of users remains our highest priority.