‘Foolhardy to doubt objective’: Centre defends IT rules in row with WhatsApp

The Union ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) said on Wednesday the government “respects the right of privacy” as it responded to WhatsApp moving the Delhi high court against the new IT rules.

“The government respects the right of privacy and has no intention to violate it when WhatsApp is required to disclose the origin of a particular message,” the ministry said in a press release on Wednesday evening. “Such requirements are only in the case when the message is required for prevention, investigation or punishment of very serious offences related to the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states,