WhatsApp tells govt user privacy is ‘highest priority’

Facebook-owned instant messenger WhatsApp on Monday said that it had told the Indian government that the privacy of users was its highest priority after the country’s technology ministry raised questions about the messaging app’s new privacy policy.

IT ministry asked WhatsApp in a May 18 letter to withdraw its updated privacy policy, which came into effect on May 15, and also said the government could take legal action against the company.

“We have responded to the Government of India’s letter and assured them that the privacy of users remains our highest priority,” the company said in a statement seen by Reuters on Monday. WhatsApp also said its update did not change the privacy of peoples’ personal messages.