WhatsApp will not restrict features for Indian users even if they don't accept new privacy policy

WhatsApp on Monday noted that it had replied to MeitY’s letter noting that the company will continue to follow the approach which requires users to accept the new terms of service. However, those not accepting the new policy will not lose the app features immediately.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on May 18 had asked WhatsApp to withdraw its new terms of service and had given seven days to the Facebook-owned company to come up with a satisfactory response. WhatsApp on Monday replied to the government’s letter noting that the privacy of users remains the company’s highest priority. WhatsApp had earlier noted that it would not defer the May 15 deadline for WhatsApp users in India to accept the new terms of service. However, it had noted that users not accepting the new terms of service will not lose WhatsApp features like messaging and calling immediately. The recent letter notes that WhatsApp will continue to follow this approach at least until the Personal Data Protection law comes into effect.