‘Cannot share fake info origins,’ US Whatsapp in curt reply to India
NEW DELHI: Whatsapp has said that it cannot build software to trace the origin of a message on its platform, turning down a demand from the Indian government that wanted such a solution to track down fake or false information that has led to crimes like mob-lynching. The company continues to hold its stance that it cannot trace origin of messages because of end-to-end encryption.
When contacted, a Whatsapp spokesperson said “Building traceability would undermine end-to-end encryption and the private nature of Whatsapp, creating the potential for serious misuse. Whatsapp will not weaken the privacy protections we provide”. He added that people rely on Whatsapp for all kinds of “sensitive conversations”, including with their doctors, banks and families.
“Our focus remains working closer with others in India to educate people about misinformation and help keep people safe,” the spokesperson said. Over the past few months, Whatsapp has drawn flak over its use in spreading fake news through its platform that have even incited incidents of mob-lynching in various parts of the country.
Whatsapp Head Chris Daniels had met IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad earlier this week. After the meeting, Prasad told reporters that the government has asked Whatsapp to set up a local corporate entity and find a technology solution to trace the origin of fake messages circulated through its platform as well as appoint a grievance officer.
He acknowledged the role played by the Facebook-owned company in India’s digital story, but was stern that Whatsapp could face abetment charges if it did not take action to tackle the issue of fake news being circulated on its platform. Daniels had declined to comment on the proceedings after the meeting.
With general elections slated to be held next year in India, the government is taking a stern view of use of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp.