FIR filed against WhatsApp directors
The Gurugram Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the directors and nodal officers of WhatsApp.
The case was filed for refusing to provide crucial information about three accounts linked to a criminal investigation.
The case involves serious allegations such as disobeying a public servant’s orders, concealing offenders, and destroying electronic records. All these are key to the ongoing investigation.
The complaint was initiated by an Inspector from the cyber police station in Gurugram.
It stems from a previous FIR filed on May 27, 2024, involving charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy.
As part of their probe, the police sought details from WhatsApp regarding four phone numbers that were allegedly used by the accused.
On July 17, 2024, an official notice was sent to WhatsApp via email, requesting the necessary information.
However, on July 19, WhatsApp raised concerns, asking for clarification regarding the specific criminal activities linked to these numbers.
This act was seen by the police as a deliberate non-compliance with the investigation process.
In response, on July 25, the police provided a detailed explanation, emphasizing the need for WhatsApp’s cooperation and reiterating their request for the information.
Despite the police’s continued efforts to engage WhatsApp, including a comprehensive follow-up on August 23, WhatsApp officially declined the request on August 28, 2024.
According to the police complaint, this refusal is considered a willful disobedience of lawful directives.
The police argued that WhatsApp’s refusal to provide the requested information not only obstructs the investigation but also aids the accused by concealing critical electronic evidence.
The complaint further asserts that WhatsApp’s refusal violates Indian laws and regulations that mandate cooperation with law enforcement in investigations, particularly in cybercrime cases.
The police stated that this behaviour constitutes an active suppression of evidence, which compromises the administration of justice.
In response, WhatsApp, with nearly 3 billion users globally, maintains that it adheres to its terms of service and applicable laws when handling requests for account information.
The company emphasized its commitment to assessing requests based on internationally recognized standards that include human rights, due process, and the rule of law. WhatsApp asserts that any disclosures must align with these standards.
The FIR has been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyah Sanhita (Indian Penal Code) and the Information Technology Act.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between law enforcement agencies and technology companies regarding data sharing and privacy rights. It raised broader questions about the balance between privacy and public safety in the digital age.
Image by PICSHADOW8672 from Pixahive (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)
Image Published on October 08, 2020
You may also like
Image Reference: https://pixahive.com/photo/hacking-and-cyber-security-4/
Recent Posts
- India’s food waste problem: A growing crisis at homeIndia has one of the highest numbers of undernourished people, yet millions of tonnes of food end up in the trash.
- Big boost for CG employees: Govt overhauls CGHS rateshis is the most significant change in CGHS in the last 15 years.
- US tariffs hit Indian pharma: A warning sign for exportsThe United States has imposed a 100% tariff on imported branded and patented drugs, a move that directly targets foreign manufacturers. While Indian generic drugs remain exempt for now, the policy raises serious concerns for India’s pharmaceutical industry and its future in the US market.
- India’s food waste problem: A growing crisis at home
What’s new at WeRIndia.com
News from 700+ sources
-
Future of India is going to driven by Tamil Nadus R&D ecosystem: TRB Rajaa
-
Global South scientists can tip red tape by thinking, working together
-
T.N. Higher Education Minister inaugurates skill development centre for differently abled students
-
CM Stalin inaugurates hospital buildings, hands over enhanced pension to retired priests
-
Kantara 2 mints Rs 30.50 cr, crosses Rs 250 cr mark on day 5
-
SC seeks Centre, Ladakh UTs response
-
WeRIndia – A News Aggregator
Visit werindia.com for all types of National | Business | World | Politics | Entertainment | Health related news and much more..
Leave a Reply