Messaging app WhatsApp informed the Delhi High Court that it might cease operations in India if it is forced to break encryption under the 2021 Information Technology Rules. These rules require social media companies to identify the first originator of information, a move WhatsApp claims would compromise the privacy and security of its users.
The platform, which is owned by Meta, argues that breaking encryption would violate fundamental rights under India’s Constitution, particularly the right to privacy. WhatsApp’s legal counsel emphasized that the platform’s end-to-end encryption is central to its appeal, enabling secure communication for its 400 million users in India. Complying with the rules would involve storing vast amounts of messages and breaking encryption, a step the company is not willing to take.
The Indian government has stated its need for message traceability to address serious offences, such as terrorism, but WhatsApp contends that this requirement is disproportionate and could harm the platform’s integrity.
WhatsApp’s stance on privacy and encryption is in line with its policies globally, as the company continues to uphold secure messaging for its users. The court is set to hear the case again on August 14.
