False: WhatsApp has been tricking its Indian users into consenting to its updated privacy policy.

By: Rashmi S
June 29 2021

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While WhatsApp has not been "tricking" its users, reports suggest that it has been persistently asking users to agree to the updated policy.WhatsApp has an "end-to-end" program that secures its users' messages. Text messages, photos, videos, voice notes, documents, and calls are encrypted end-to-end and are protected from being intercepted. On January 15, 2021, WhatsApp said that it would update its privacy policy on May 15. It said that the new update "includes new options people will have to message a business on WhatsApp, and provides further transparency about how we collect and use data." WhatsApp emphasized that the update contained new capabilities and gave more transparency about gathering and using data after receiving criticism. There are no official reports about WhatsApp urging users to sign up for its privacy policy. However, many have stated that WhatsApp is now persistently asking users to agree to the policy via notifications. Speculation arose after the government introduced new social media laws. According to the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, messaging networks must allow for the "Identification of the first originator of the material." WhatsApp has petitioned the Delhi High Court to declare the new rule unlawful. According to the BBC, WhatsApp said it would collaborate with the government on practical measures to keep people secure, including responding to legitimate legal requests for information held. WhatsApp said that it was not forcing anyone to accept the update and its privacy policy is not mandatory. The Hindu BusinessLine reported that WhatsApp responded to the government's concern about user privacy by saying that the privacy update is a choice for its users and is not enforced. CORRECTION: We changed this from "false" to "misleading."