After a massive public outcry, the government today withdrew the contentious draft encryption policy that sought to make it mandatory for everyone to store all messages, including those of WhatsApp, for 90 days.
CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat alleged in a series of tweets how the Modi government was trying to implement the 'Gujarat Snooping Model' at national-level through the policy.
Her comments come in an apparent reference to allegations against BJP president Amit Shah of misusing his power as a state minister in 2009 for illegal surveillance of a young woman.
"Hands off WhatsApp. We don't want Gujarat snooping model. #ModiDontReadMyWhatsapp #SnoopingHabitsDieHard," the party quoted Karat as saying in a series of tweets.
A draft encryption policy released yesterday wanted businesses, telcos and Internet companies to store all encrypted data for 90 days in plain text which should be presented before law enforcement agencies whenever asked. Failing to do so would mean legal action as per the law.
Following public backlash over such a move, which is being seen as a threat to privacy, the government through a new addendum this morning clarified that social media sites, including WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter, payment gateways, e-commerce and password-based transactions are exempt from the policy.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
