Ravi Shankar Prasad tells WhatsApp to ensure mechanism to trace rogue messages; says app has assured action

IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday said the government will insist on WhatsApp developing a mechanism to trace origin of messages in cases where the platform is misused by terrorists and ‘rogue’ elements. The minister, who met WhatsApp Global Head Will Cathcart, said the top official had assured him of prompt action in these issues of “concern”.

“On the issue of traceability, I have conveyed to them traceability shall be their job. But in the event WhatsApp platform is sought to be abused by rogue, terrorists and extremist elements by repeating, recirculation of messages, then there must be a mechanism where those could be traced to enforce law and order, safety and security of the country,” Prasad said after the meeting.