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WhatsApp Threatens To Leave India If Forced To Break Message Encryption

Inc42 · 12m

WhatsApp has informed the Delhi High Court that it would shut down its operations in India if forced to break its message encryption. This comes as the platform challenges a provision of the IT Rules, 2021, which requires social media intermediaries to identify the first originator of information. WhatsApp argues that tracing messages undermines encryption, violates users' privacy and constitutional rights. The court is currently considering the matter, with the next hearing scheduled for August 14. The Indian government has been seeking greater ability to trace messages on intermediary platforms.