WhatsApp moves HC against govt’s new IT rule

TIL Desk/Business/New Delhi/ WhatsApp has moved the Delhi high court against the India’s new IT rules that come into effect from May 26, According to reports.

The Facebook-owned platform asks the court to declare that one of the new rules is a violation of privacy rights in India’s constitution since it requires social media companies to identify the “first originator of information” when authorities demand it, a report quoting a source familiar with the lawsuit.

The new rules were announced in February which requires large social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp to follow additional due diligence, including the appointment of a chief compliance officer, nodal contact person and resident grievance officer.

IT Ministry sources said that appointment of a grievance officer would be a key requirement from day-one of rules coming into effect, given the importance of public interface for complaints, and need for an acknowledgement system for requests.