The Indian government has asked WhatsApp to rescind its latest terms of service and privacy policy, stating that the proposed consolidation of sensitive information exposes its citizens to security risks. Earlier the messaging app had notified its users that it would collect metadata from their chats with business accounts and share them with other Facebook companies.

In the letter sent to WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), it was mentioned that the company should respect the privacy of Indian users’ information and data security. The letter also had a detailed questionnaire seeking the details of its data-sharing protocols and business practices currently being practiced in WhatsApp. Any meaningful distinction between WhatsApp and Facebook companies will cease to exist with this policy. Provided, the enormous user-base of WhatsApp and Facebook in India, the consolidation of this sensitive information exposes the Indian citizens to many security risks and vulnerabilities. The letter further mentioned that the integration of data between WhatsApp and other Facebook companies doesn't leave the users with many options. According to the letter, the ‘all-or-nothing’ approach takes away any meaningful choice from Indian users. It leverages the social significance of WhatsApp to force users into a bargain that may infringe on their interests concerning informational privacy and security.

Strong objections have been raised by MeitY to the alleged differential treatment by WhatsApp to its users in India, saying it shows a lack of respect for the rights of Indian citizens, who are one of the largest user bases for the messaging app.