WhatsApp’s recently amended privacy policy has earned a petition against itself in the Delhi High Court, with the document criticizing the decision to share user contact numbers with the app’s parent company Facebook. According to PTI, the HC has accepted the appeal and asked the government to give its response on the issue by September 14.
WhatsApp introduced changes to its famed privacy policy last week. The amendments enable the app to share unspecified account information with Facebook after getting permission from the user. The acceptance can be reversed from the settings menu. The social media platform intends to use the records to send customized ads and friend suggestions.
While the reformed policy is still getting mixed responses, a petition has already been filed in the Delhi HC stating that the arrangement compromises the rights of WhatsApp users and poses a threat to the confidentiality extended to an account holder. The notification taking consent for the allocation does not make the process clear to consumers, some of who generally do not understand privacy terms.
Also Read: WhatsApp gets voicemail, simultaneous sharing with multiple contacts
The appeal asserts that privacy is one of the most basic and essential features of WhatsApp. The petition strongly opposes the sharing of data for commercial purposes. User opinions in the matter are being overlooked by means of confusing and misleading them with vague descriptions.
The HC has received the petition from the complainants and now wants the Center to give its opinion on the adjustment in the policy. The government’s response is likely to play a major role in deciding the future of the alterations in India. WhatsApp’s reforms will reportedly be implemented from September 25.