WhatsApp Threatens to Exit India Over Encryption Demands

WhatsApp warns it may cease operations in India if forced to break end-to-end encryption, citing privacy concerns.

WhatsApp's statement in Delhi High Court highlights a potential exit from India if required to break message encryption.
The debate centers on Rule 4(2) of the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which mandates tracing the originator of messages.
WhatsApp argues that breaking encryption would violate user privacy and compromise the platform's security.
The rule aims to aid in national security and public order by tracing origins of messages related to serious offenses.
The court has deferred the hearing to August 14, maintaining that privacy rights are not absolute and a balance is necessary.