Choose security & privacy: Both govt & WhatsApp need to moderate their stances

The face-off between the Centre and WhatsApp on the issue of privacy of users needs to be resolved with both sides moderating their stances. Freedom of speech is important as is privacy, but social media platforms do need to be regulated since messaging services with such large numbers of users can potentially cause disruptions. There is apprehension the government may call upon the messaging service very frequently to know the first originator of a message, although it has listed some specific instances which would trigger a request on its part. There is also anxiety the government could try to stifle dissent. Difficult as it may appear, we need to find a way to allow users to express their views on social media/messaging services without their privacy being impinged, but also without empowering anyone to play mischief.