Govt writes to WhatsApp expressing concerns over policy changes

Good morning!

Even as WhatsApp delays the rollout of its new policy update to May 15, its worries are far from over. 

Sources in MeitY told YourStory that the government has sent a strongly worded letter to WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart on the proposed user policy changes and sought responses to very pointed queries on how it plans to protect users privacy in India.

In the letter, the government asked WhatsApp to withdraw the proposed changes and reconsider its approach on how it treats privacy, data security, and freedom of choice for Indian citizens.

On Tuesday, speaking at the 15th India Digital Summit, Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the Indian government is looking into the changes made by the app, and asserted that the sanctity of personal communication needs to be maintained. 

Sharing his views about data, Prasad said data must be procured through free consent, it must be used for the objective for which it has been collected, and the data fiduciary who has procured that data must ensure proper safety and sanctity of that data. 

"I do acknowledge the implicit need for data movement across the globe to keep digital commerce intact. But the ground rule of that movement must be very clearly laid out. Next, there must be reciprocity in the data sharing of the world. And again, we shall never compromise on our digital sovereignty," he said.

The Interview 

Coming from a small town in Uttar Pradesh, Anil Nagar realised early on that education was the only means for him to progress in life. But when he started preparing for entrance exams, he struggled to access quality education. So, he started Adda247 in 2010, then known as CareerPower, to help students crack entrance exams. The offline venture pivoted to an edtech startup and has grown from 10,000 students to 4.5 lakh paid users — the second-largest in the Indian edtech ecosystem.

Here are some key takeaways from the interview:

• COVID-19’s impact on the edtech sector
• Serving the regional languages of India
• Creating content for the visually-impaired
• Overcoming roadblocks in online learning
• The future roadmap of Adda247 and plans for an IPO

Startup Spotlight

Blockchain startup Cultivo helps brands better connect with vendors and consumers

With the world's focus on vaccine rollouts, maintaining supply chains has become increasingly critical. Many brands also struggle with issues like warehouse management systems, inventory tracking solutions, and ERP solutions. To de-risk supply chains, Bengaluru-based startup Cultivo uses its blockchain-based SaaS product to increase efficiency, and reduce back-office costs and errors. Read more.

News & Updates

• In a strongly-worded letter to WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart, the Union Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology has expressed grave concerns on WhatsApp's recent policy changes and sought responses on protecting citizens' privacy, sources told YourStory.

• Amazon has partnered with Startup India to launch an accelerator programme to help early-stage Indian startups in the consumer products space to create global brands through Amazon’s Global Selling programme.

• Homegrown unicorn Hike, which delisted its messaging app, has relaunched StickersByHike as a separate free app with 2,000+ stickers available for use on WhatsApp and Telegram.

• Uber and Lenskart have partnered with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to promote road safety, and will offer free eye-tests and subsidised vision correction glasses to driver-partners.

• The Indian cricket team made history by defeating Australia in the Gabba Test series 2-1. Founders and CEOs of the startup ecosystem congratulated the team.

Before you go, stay inspired with… 

“Business should be a lot more than just profit; it should be about social impact.”

— Kunal Kapoor, Co-founder, Ketto.org

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