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The advent of technological advancements in the modern-day world
has been a blessing in disguise. With the internet now being the
key source of solution for all the problems, it has transferred the
present-day life over the virtual platform. Addicted to this modern
practice, people find answers to all their needs over the online
medium including information, communication, records, commercial
transactions, banking, grievances redressal and FIR reporting,
etc.
Innovative Communication
Increasing digitalization has modified the system of
communication. Integrating the people across the world, separated
by geographical barriers on a medium that eliminates the necessity
of physical presence, has been one of the greatest achievements of
mankind. Individuals are now connected with others through emails,
chats, messages, internet audio/ video calls, etc. transmitted
through electronic impulses.
Unified Interface of WhatsApp
While many online portals are available catering to the major
needs of communication of the people, on the most popular web-based
App in this domain is 'WhatsApp'. The Facebook owned
WhatsApp, not only allows people to communicate with each other by
sending/ receiving text messages, internet-based audio/ video calls
but also permits sharing of media in the form of pictures, videos,
documents all on a single App. The said App can also be operated
from desktops.
Challenges before WhatsApp
The easy accessibility of internet and WhatsApp has become a new
device for the anti-social elements to carry out the acts of
cyber-terrorism through such modes spread with the intent to
threaten the unity, integrity, security or sovereignty of the
country or to strike terror in the people cause widespread fear.
False and incorrect news or information create a sense of distrust
among the citizens of the nation. The spread of rumours often leads
to civil commotion and distress amongst the citizens thus hampering
the peace in the country.
Controlling mechanism
The Government has ordered WhatsApp to formulate stringent
strategies to trace the origins of incendiary messages in
circulation using technological innovations when the social media
giant resisted to determine the message source on account being
violative of its privacy policy. However, as a measure to prevent
sharing of rumours or unadvisable information, WhatsApp has capped
the number of recipients of chat message to 5 to curb mass
spamming.1
In furtherance to tackle the menace of fake and inappropriate
information through its media, WhatsApp has appointed a grievance
officer to address the concerns and complaints associated
thereto.2 It enables the users to seek help through
mobile App or by contacting the said officer on email, signed with
electronic signature or queries sent through postal services.
The Government on October 31, 2018 conveyed to the management of
WhatsApp that the messaging App was required to trace the origin of
the messages being transferred through its platform.3 In the said
regards the Government clarified that it did not seek to decrypt
the messages but required WhatsApp to look into the location and
identity of the senders of messages causing provocation for which
the App has agreed for. It was stated that the measures are being
taken to ensure that WhatsApp does not become a source of
circulation of improper and incorrect spam messages.
With the objective of creating a safe online environment and
preventing the use of much used messaging App for the fulfilment of
nefarious activities, the Government has required WhatsApp for the
source identification to curb such malpractices.
For further information please contact at S.S Rana &
Co. email: info@ssrana.in or
call at (+91- 11 4012 3000). Our website can be accessed at
www.ssrana.in
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