An Instant Issue

Context: The release of an update on Terms of Service (ToS) by leading instant messenger WhatsApp has raised concern over its usage and privacy.

Reasons for which new ToS of WhatsApp is a concern for India:

• Lack of data privacy law: The new ToS will be implemented easily in India and have implications on its 400 million users, without the presence of law.
  • ToS cannot be applied in the European Union since it would violate the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• No choice for users: To opt-out of any of the data-sharing.
• Adverse impact on privacy:
  • Of business account: as the sensitive details discussed in a chat with a business account could be shared.
  • Of individuals: A great deal of WhatsApp data and metadata about times, locations, devices, connections, contacts, etc., is already shared with Facebook.
  • Details of minors may become public: As WhatsApp is used in India to coordinate many school activities.

Issues with abandoning WhatsApp:

• It has a convenient and user-friendly interface.
• Network effects: Alternatives have few users, thus may create smaller networks for interactions.
• Corporate pressure: Service providers, using WhatsApp business accounts, may persuade clients to stay with it.

Conclusion: In the absence of a data privacy law, users had to choose between privacy and convenience.