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<ul><li><keyword id="215177" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="vivo" source="Orion">Vivo</keyword> has allegedly transferred ₹62,476 crore to its parent company in China, in addition to being caught with 2 kilo gold bars in one of its offices.</li><li>The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed that Vivo remitted the amount to avoid paying taxes in India.</li><li>The financial watchdog has blocked over a hundred bank accounts of the company.</li></ul>Chinese smartphone maker Vivo is currently in hot waters with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India after the financial watchdog accused the company and its associates in India of violating the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/ed-has-reportedly-raided-44-locations-of-vivo-and-related-firms-across-the-country/articleshow/92672031.cms">conducted raids</a> across 44 premises of Vivo and its associates in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and several other states across the country. The ED has accused Vivo of remitting nearly <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/vivo-reportedly-transferred-nearly-8-billion-to-its-parent-company-in-china/articleshow/92726095.cms">$8 billion</a> to China. Here’s everything that you need to know about the allegations against Vivo. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Vivo has reportedly sent ₹62,476 crore to China to evade taxes" comment="subhead" text="Vivo has reportedly sent ₹62,476 crore to China to evade taxes">Vivo has reportedly sent ₹62,476 crore to China to <keyword id="14399574" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="evade-taxes" source="Orion">evade taxes</keyword></cmsannotation> According to a <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1545016847669415936">report</a> by PTI, the ED has claimed that Vivo has remitted ₹62,476 crore, which is around 50% of its revenue over a five-year period to its parent company in China to avoid paying taxes. "The agency is investigating why Vivo India declared profit as expenditure in its balance sheet and transferred substantial sums of money to China," an official familiar with the matter told <a href="https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/exclusive-ed-probes-rs-62000-cr-fund-transfer-to-vivo-indias-chinese-parent-340713-2022-07-07">Business Today</a>. The money laundering case against Vivo was filed by the agency after taking cognizance of an FIR filed by the Economic Offenses Wing of the Delhi Police against a Vivo distributor based in Jammu and Kashmir. The report has claimed that Chinese shareholders of the company have used forged identity documents. The ED has claimed that the identity was forged to launder money using shell companies and “proceeds of the crime” have been sent to China and other businesses to bypass Indian rules. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Two directors flee the country" comment="subhead" text="Two directors flee the country">Two directors flee the country</cmsannotation> A <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/vivo-ed-raids-two-chinese-directors-of-a-related-company-flee/articleshow/92714054.cms">report</a> has also revealed that two Chinese directors of a company related to Vivo fled India after the ED raids. The directors were part of Solan, a Himachal Pradesh-based company that was associated with Vivo. The agency has claimed that the Chinese nationals were made directors of the company using forged documents. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="India blocks over a hundred accounts linked to Vivo" comment="subhead" text="India blocks over a hundred accounts linked to Vivo">India blocks over a hundred accounts linked to Vivo</cmsannotation> As part of its investigation into money laundering violations, the ED has <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-blocks-119-accounts-linked-to-chinas-vivo-in-money-laundering-probe/articleshow/92729778.cms">reportedly</a> blocked 119 bank accounts linked to Vivo. The accounts reportedly have over ₹465 crore. The agency has also seized ₹73 lakh in cash and 2kg gold. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="China calls for a “fair and non-discriminatory business environment”" comment="subhead" text="China calls for a “fair and non-discriminatory business environment”">China calls for a “fair and non-discriminatory business environment”</cmsannotation> After the ED raided Vivo and its associates, a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/china-unhappy-with-vivo-raids-says-frequent-probes-chill-investor-confidence/articleshow/92715136.cms">called</a> for a “fair and non-discriminatory business environment” for Chinese firms in the country. "The Chinese government has always asked Chinese companies to comply with local laws and regulations in their overseas operations and will firmly support Chinese companies to maintain their legitimate rights and interests," Wang Xiaojian counselor and spokesperson, Chinese Embassy in India said in a statement. "The Indian side should act in line with laws and regulations and provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese firms," Xiaojian added. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="India hits back, says Vivo needs to follow the law of the land" comment="subhead" text="India hits back, says Vivo needs to follow the law of the land">India hits back, says Vivo needs to follow the law of the land</cmsannotation> The Indian side has also hit back after the Chinese spokesperson called upon India to provide a non-discriminatory business environment. "Companies that operate here need to follow the law of the land. Our legal authorities are taking steps as per the law of the land. I don't see the case to make comments as such on it," Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, ministry of external affairs said in a media briefing. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/chinese-smartphone-maker-huawei-comes-under-the-it-departments-scanner-over-tax-evasion/articleshow/92739828.cms">Chinese smartphone maker Huawei comes under the IT department’s scanner over tax evasion</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/exclusive-84-of-the-5551-27-crore-seized-from-xiaomi-india-were-remitted-to-qualcomm-group/articleshow/91560593.cms">EXCLUSIVE: 84% of the ₹5,551.27 crore of the alleged illegal remittance by Xiaomi India were to the Qualcomm Group</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/vivo-reportedly-transferred-nearly-8-billion-to-its-parent-company-in-china/articleshow/92726095.cms">Vivo reportedly transferred nearly $8 billion to its parent company in China</a>

Vivo's offices caught with 2 kilo gold bars after sending ₹62,000 crore back to China – all you need to know on the ED probe

New Delhi, Mar 16 () The Competition Commission has slapped a penalty of Rs 302 crore on Grasim Industries for abusing its dominant position with respect to supply of a certain staple fibre to spinners. Besides, the company has been directed to "cease and desist" from indulging in anti-competitive practices as well as put in place a transparent "discount policy" for all the market participants. In a 60-page order, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said the company has abused its dominant position in the market for supply of VSF to spinners in India by charging discriminatory prices to its customers besides imposing supplementary obligations upon them.These are in violation of competition norms, it added.VSF is Viscose Staple Fibre (VSF) and is produced as well as sold by Grasim Industries. The company has also been directed to "refrain from adopting unfair/ discriminatory pricing practices and also refrain from seeking the consumption details of VSF from the buyers", the order said. Further, the watchdog has asked Grasim Industries to put in place a discount policy which is transparent and non-discriminatory to all the market participants, and to make it easily and publicly accessible/ available. "It is made clear that OP-2 (Grasim Industries) shall not place any end-use restriction on the buyers of VSF and it would be open to them to use the same for spinning or trading or any other purpose, as permissible under law," the order said. A penalty of Rs 301.61 crore has been imposed on the company, an amount that is equivalent to 5 per cent of its average turnover from the relevant market from 2014-15 to 2016-17. The market for supply of VSF to spinners in India is the relevant one.A complaint alleging unfair business practices was filed against Association of Man Made Fibre Industry of India, Grasim Industries, Thai Rayon and Indo Bharat Rayon. The three companies are part of the Aditya Birla Group.According to the Commission, Grasim Industries imposed supplementary obligations upon the spinners which by their very nature or according to commercial usage, have no connection with the subject of such contracts. "... the Commission has no hesitation in holding that OP-2 has abused its dominant position in the relevant market instead of behaving as a responsible corporate citizen which is expected to comply with the special and differential obligations of a dominant undertaking," it noted. RAM ANUANU

CCI imposes Rs 302 cr penalty on Grasim Industries

<ul><li>The Supreme Court of <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> passed a verdict stating that adultery can be grounds to file for divorce but it’s no longer a criminal offence.</li><li>The 158-year old Indian law has been scrapped from the <keyword id="75223" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Penal-Code">Indian Penal Code</keyword> (IPC) after being deemed unconstitutional by a five-judge panel. </li><li><keyword id="860096" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Section-497">Section 497</keyword> was seen as contradictory to Article 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution.</li></ul>Section 497 has been a thorn in the Indian judicial system for a while now. But, in a turn of events, the Supreme Court of India unanimously ruled to remove the 158-year old law from the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The law basically said that, whoever has sexual intercourse with someone else’s wife, without the husband’s consent, is guilty of the offence of adultery. The five-judge constitution bench of the supreme court ruled that this violated Article 21 and Article 14 of the constitution. While Article 21 addresses the right of an individual to their own personal liberty, Article 14 talks about equality before the law, that is, equal protection for all within the country. Reasons for scrapping Section 497 This particular section of the IPC has been controversial because it deprived married women of their own consent and autonomy. The law dictated that any man who has an affair with a married woman will be punished and the woman will only be looked at as the victim and forego legal consequences. That is unless the husband gives consent. Essentially, this meant that provided the husband’s okay with it, a woman can be subjected to someone else’s desire regardless of her own consent. <keyword id="519134" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Justice-Chandrachud">Justice Chandrachud</keyword>, one of the judges on the five-judge panel of the case, stated that “Autonomy is intrinsic in dignified human existence. Section 497 denuded the woman from making choices. It fails to meet the touchstone of article 21”. An unmarried woman, on the other hand, can’t be prosecuted for adultery. So a man can’t be prosecuted, by his wife, for having an affair with an unmarried woman. There is also the disparity that only men can be the victims as well as the accused - and this too is in violation of Article 14. Having an affair outside of your marriage is decriminalised in all of the European countries as well as in Australia. That being said, while the law may be considered as outdated, it is still implemented in a few other countries, including nearly 20 states in the United States. Some of the Asian nations like the Philippines, Pakistan and Taiwan. <div type="Youtube" id="YlHoa1r6J44" title="Adultery is no longer a crime: SC deems Section 497 to be unconstitutional" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YlHoa1r6J44/mqdefault.jpg"></div>

Adultery is no longer a crime: Supreme Court deems Section 497 to be unconstitutional

<keyword id="1702548" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ajit-Pai">Ajit Pai</keyword>, chairman of US <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/trump-will-make-a-vocal-opponent-of-todays-open-internet-laws-the-next-fcc-boss-says-report/articleshow/56696230.cms">Federal Communications Commission</a> has said that he backs open and free access to the <keyword id="6357247" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Internet">Internet</keyword> but doesn’t think that free data is bad. 
 
"Certain core principles of a free Internet, that Internet service providers shouldn't be allowed to block lawful content must be at the heart of policy," Pai, 44, told <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/net-must-stay-unchained-but-free-data-isnt-bad-ajit-pai-fcc/articleshow/57419149.cms">ET</a>. "The principles must be upheld with the consideration that investment in infrastructure must be encouraged." 
 Pai, who has studied in <keyword id="97117" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Harvard-University">Harvard University</keyword> and Chicago Law School, has several years of experience working in the telecom industry. Prior to becoming the chairman of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/trumps-new-fcc-boss-could-have-a-lasting-effect-on-the-internet-heres-what-to-watch-out-for/articleshow/56939103.cms">commission</a>, he had served in the commission for several years. 
 
He is also the first American of Indian origin to hold the position. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/trumps-new-fcc-boss-could-have-a-lasting-effect-on-the-internet-heres-what-to-watch-out-for/articleshow/56939103.cms">FCC</a> had decided to scrap a decision taken by the previous administration to investigate the zero-rated products, which led to major US carriers announcing their decisions to introduce unlimited data plans over the last few weeks. 
 
"That's I think a sign of a healthy competitive market place," he said. 
 
In India, these <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/trumps-new-fcc-boss-has-already-set-the-stage-for-a-less-open-internet/articleshow/57070393.cms">zero-rated products</a>, which allow providers to provide certain internet content at lower or no charges, was banned last year by the <keyword id="30356" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Telecom-Regulatory-Authority-of-India">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</keyword> (TRAI), in order to keep the Internet "open and non-discriminatory." 
 
BRIDGING DIGITAL DIVIDE 
Talking about <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/trai-is-conducting-tests-to-check-call-drops-voice-quality-on-airtel-vodafone-idea-jio-networks/articleshow/57185722.cms">TRAI</a> chairman RS Sharma, Pai said that they both know each other, and he believes that they both share a desire to bridge the digital divide. 
 
"I have known him for a number of years and have met him several times. Obviously, he is a counterpart but I would like to think of him as a friend," Pai said. "I have told him many times that the US-India relationship is a deep and enduring one and I am deeply committed to doing my part to make sure that between his government and mine, we keep that relationship strong and going." 
 
Refusing to comment on India's net neutrality rules citing lack of facts, he said that consumers’ benefit is everyone’s priority. 
 
Having family roots in Mangaluru, Pai’s parents moved to US two years before he was born. 
 
(Image source: WSJ)

Free data isn't bad, says Ajit Pai, FCC; supports open access to Internet

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image">Reuters</div></div></div>In the wake of the Orlando shooting, Gay Pride month has taken on a whole new meaning as people from all walks of life want to show support for the LGBT community.With that in mind, IBM's diversity chief Lindsay-Rae McIntyre just posted a blog that spells out all the ways that IBM is standing up for its LGBT workers in the US and around the world.It has become increasingly common for large tech companies to use their weight and power to take a stand on social issues that could negatively impact their employees.Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has been, perhaps, the most vocal, at times threatening governors that Salesforce would decrease investment in their states if legislation that discriminates against LGBT people is passed.But IBM wants you to know that it's using its enormous clout to do the same within the US and beyond.IBM's list of supportive things range from the obvious (allowing gay employees to publicly identify themselves as gay in the personnel site and elsewhere) to a new global program that showcases LGBT employees as role models in growth countries like Brazil, Greece, Israel, the Czech Republic, China, Japan, Mexico and India.In addition, IBM insurance covers sex reassignment surgery in the US, and it recently added Canada. IBM say it hopes to add other countries in "the next couple of years."IBM has also battled discriminatory legislation in various US states like Louisiana, it says. And it's one of 60 companies involved in<a href="http://www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-announces-60-companies-launch-business-coalition-for-the-equality-act"> the Human Rights Campaign's Business Coalition for the Equality Act</a>, launched in March. The group supports federal anti-discrimination legislation.Here's <a href="http://www.ibm.com/blogs/think/2016/06/23/standing-together/">the full IBM blog post</a>:IBM Stands Strong with its LGBT EmployeesLGBT Pride Month is an opportunity for all of us to pause and consider that while progress has been made to afford equal rights to all, we still have much more work to do. That includes standing up against discriminatory legislation that has emerged in certain U.S. states and leading productive discussions in the aftermath of the tragedy in Orlando.Inclusion has always been part of our corporate culture and is in alignment with our deeply-held values as IBMers. Discrimination of any kind is unacceptable. IBM will continue to be a leading voice in the push for diversity and inclusion in our communities.Our policy of inclusion goes beyond employment practices and protections and celebrates the diversity of our workforce. As a company, we understand that to attract the best talent from around the world, we have to create and nurture a culture where employees can bring their authentic selves to work every day.For instance, when Charles Donnell was looking for a college internship in England in 2011, he applied to IBM after his research found that the company "is gay-friendly." Donnell joined IBM UK as an intern, finished his university studies and is now a Program Manager for one of IBM's Global Leadership Development Programs in Armonk, N.Y. At 24, he's already worked for IBM on global programs on three continents."IBM enables me to identify myself as a gay male in the IBM personnel site," said Donnell. "As an employee, I'm able to bring 100 percent of myself to work. And that has allowed me to be successful at IBM."Over the past year, high-profile debates over discriminatory policy measures in several U.S. states have prompted many people - some for the first time - to carefully consider the challenges facing the LGBT community. As part of our global efforts, we have worked to ensure that LGBT IBMers in every U.S. state are afforded the same rights as their colleagues.When proposed government action has been in fundamental conflict with our values, we've engaged with government officials directly and publicly to make our views known, opposing various state laws and executive actions.In rescinding his state's discriminatory "religious freedom" order in April, Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards recognized IBM's leadership on this issue, saying, "It does nothing but divide our state and force the business community, from Louisiana's smallest businesses to large corporations like IBM, to strongly oppose it." At the same time, Gov. Edwards signed a new anti-discrimination executive order protecting the rights of gay and transgender residents of Louisiana.We've also been part of a larger chorus of voices speaking out against inequality.IBM joined American Express, Google and 11 other global companies in September 2015 to launch the first business-led coalition that supports LGBT inclusion around the world. And we are one of 60 leading businesses that have signed-on to the Human Rights Campaign's Business Coalition for the Equality Act. The Act would provide, under federal law, all Americans with clear, permanent and equal protection in employment, access to public spaces, housing, credit, education, jury service, and federally funded programs. IBM's first Equal Opportunity policy was written in 1953, when IBM CEO T.J. Watson, Jr. famously declared, "It is the policy of this organization to hire people who have the personality, talent and background necessary to fill a given job, regardless of race, color or creed."We were one of the first companies to include sexual orientation as part of the policy more than 30 years ago. We extended domestic partner benefits to gay and lesbian employees in the U.S. almost 20 years ago. Today, we provide LGBT employees with the professional and family support they need around the world. IBM's LGBT benefits extend beyond local practices in many countries.Examples include:<ul style="padding-left: 30px;"><li>IBM Canada extended its employee health benefit plan in January to include coverage for sex reassignment surgery based on the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care. This benefit has been available to employees in the U.S. for over a decade. Over the next few years, we expect to introduce the sex reassignment surgery benefit in other countries where local laws, medical practices and facilities support the treatment.</li><li>In addition to existing countries, we have recently added medical and leave benefits for same-gender partners of employees in Greece, Chile, the Philippines, Italy and Japan. We plan to announce similar programs for employees in other countries later this year.</li><li>A new global program, called "Out Role Models," features LGBT employees as role models in growth countries, including Brazil, Greece, Israel, the Czech Republic, China, Japan, Mexico and India.</li><li>IBMers that are part of the Business and Technical Leadership program - our leading succession planning program - now have the ability to identify themselves as LGBT employees.</li></ul>But even as we talk about the many steps forward, we realize that we as a global society have a long way to go. IBMers are incredibly proud of our company's long-standing commitment to equality. We will continue promoting and defending LGBT rights around the world. And we will also continue to foster and grow a shared corporate culture in which global diversity - including diversity of thought - remains central to our company and its values. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/sharpest-view-of-pluto-in-history-2016-6">NASA released the sharpest photos of Pluto in history - and they're spectacular </a></h3> <div> <div> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="U2MWg0NDE6ykRnxrXlkJYct3YEPlQyBk" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> </div> </div> </div>

IBM just published a strong statement on how companies can do more to support their LGBT employees

<div class="image-container float_right"><div class="image">REUTERS/Anindito Mukherjee <keyword id="44775" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Gay-rights">Gay rights</keyword> activists wave flags and shout slogans as they attend a protest against a verdict by the Supreme Court in New Delhi on December 11, 2013. </div></div><keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>'s government said Thursday it would look at ways to swiftly reverse a shock ruling which reinstated a ban on gay sex, accusing the Supreme Court of dragging the country back to the 19th century.
Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, who doubles up as the government's chief spokesman, said gay rights legislation could be drawn up following Wednesday's verdict but warned that such a move would be time-consuming.
Law Minister Kapil Sabil pledged that the government would take "firm and quick action" to alter what he called an anachronistic law.
Gay sex had been effectively legalized in 2009 when the Delhi High Court ruled that a section of the penal code prohibiting "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" was an infringement of fundamental rights.
But in a shock judgement on Wednesday, a panel of two Supreme Court judges ruled that the High Court had overstepped its authority and that a law passed in 1860 during British colonial rule was still valid.
"What we have done is go back in time to 1860 and I'm terribly disappointed," Chidambaram told the NDTV network.
"We must explore ways and means in which this judgement can be reversed very quickly. Legislation is one way to reverse it but that may take time.
"(While) not giving up that option of legislation, we must explore other ways and I am willing to sit with my colleagues to find out if there are other ways in which this judgement might be reversed."
Sibal confirmed that the government was considering its "options" to prevent millions of people being categorized as criminals.
"This is not a law that fits in with the times, you cannot have an antediluvian and anachronistic law like this," he told reporters.
"Time is of essence, we believe in taking quick action, the government believes in firm and quick action."
The ruling was met with dismay by gay rights activists who called it a "Black Day" for India while newspapers said the judgement was an embarrassing throwback.
"It brings a discriminatory law that was created over 150 years ago by our colonial masters. It deals a body blow to the very idea of individual choice," said The Times of India in a front-page editorial.
But the same paper also said politicians had only themselves to blame for leaving such an issue in the hands of the courts rather than address it through legislation.
"An amendment of 377 (the section of the code in question) is something Parliament should have done on its own a long time ago," it said.
Sonia Gandhi, leader of the main ruling Congress party, also urged parliament to bring in legislation.
"I hope that parliament will address this issue and uphold the constitutional guarantee of life and liberty to all citizens of India, including those directly affected by this judgement," she said in a statement.
However the prospects of any gay rights laws being passed ahead of elections due next May look remote as Congress and the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been at loggerheads for months.
Chidambaram proposed that the government seek a review of the judgement before a larger panel of senior judges, saying that judicial interpretation of law could not remain "static".
"I think the government should ask for a review or file a curative petition and ask that the matter be considered by a bench of five judges," he said.
"Today, in the year 2013.... to say that there is something like 'intercourse against the order of nature' and that is the social and moral value of today and that therefore should be the legal value of today is completely outdated, completely inappropriate," he added.
The judgement has been widely criticized outside India as well, including from the United States.
"We oppose any action that criminalizes consensual same-sex conduct between adults," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Wednesday.
Religious groups who opposed the 2009 repeal have hailed the reinstatement of the law, which is rarely invoked in practice.
Gay sex has long been a taboo subject in conservative India, where homophobic tendencies abound and many still regard being gay as a mental illness.
In recent years, the gay community in India has raised its profile through gay pride marches, magazines and events which have encouraged many to come out of the closet.
But the country still has no major openly-gay public figures in politics, entertainment or sport.
<div class="nc_footer">
Copyright (2013) AFP. All rights reserved.
</div>

India May Backtrack On The Gay Sex Ban After Global Outrage

<ul><li>The Facebook-owned messaging giant has announced that it won’t restrict functionality of the app for users who don’t accept its new privacy policy.</li><li>This concession comes after the Indian government sent a strongly-worded notice to <keyword id="790242" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="WhatsApp">WhatsApp</keyword> last week.</li><li>WhatsApp says it will maintain its current approach until the <keyword id="431014" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Personal-Data-Protection">Personal Data Protection</keyword> law comes into effect.</li><li>Until then, the app says it will continue to send reminders to its users to accept the new policy.</li></ul>In a move that will come as a relief to its users, messaging giant WhatsApp has revealed that it will not restrict features if you don’t accept its new privacy policy. The revelation was made in a response to the Indian government’s notice. “We have responded to the Government of India’s letter and assured them that the privacy of users remains our highest priority,” said a WhatsApp spokesperson in a statement to Business Insider. The letter is in response to the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/indian-government-asks-whatsapp-to-scrap-its-privacy-policy-calls-it-unfair-and-discriminatory/articleshow/82796725.cms">Indian government’s notice</a> to the Facebook-owned company. Earlier last week, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had sent a notice to WhatsApp, calling its new privacy policy “discriminatory”, “unfair” and “irresponsible”. The notice stated that in case the response is not “satisfactory”, WhatsApp could face legal action. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="82796725" title="Indian government threatens legal action against WhatsApp’s new privacy policy – WhatsApp refuses to back down" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Waiting for the Personal Data Protection (PDP) law to come into effect" comment="subhead" text="Waiting for the Personal Data Protection (PDP) law to come into effect">Waiting for the Personal Data Protection (PDP) law to come into effect</cmsannotation> Apart from this, WhatsApp has also revealed that it will maintain its current stance until the upcoming Personal Data Protection (PDP) law comes into effect. “We hope this approach reinforces the choice that all users have whether or not they want to interact with a business. We will maintain this approach until at least the forthcoming PDP law comes into effect,” the spokesperson added. This is an important development, since the Indian government had accused WhatsApp of discriminating against its Indian users while allowing those in Europe to stick to the old policy. “The sole reason this Privacy Policy update is not enforced in the EU is because they have very strict and defined laws which expressly prohibit the same”, Kazim Rizvi, Director at The Dialogue, a public policy think-tank told Business Insider. This makes the upcoming PDP bill even more important. “It is crucial the Indian Data Protection law ensures maximum privacy protection for the users while also aligning with the security and economic realities of India,” Rizvi added, stressing on the need for a bill that enshrines privacy into law. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Will continue to remind users" comment="subhead" text="Will continue to remind users">Will continue to remind users</cmsannotation> Although WhatsApp is not enforcing its privacy policy with an iron hand right now, the company said it will continue to remind its users about it until they accept it. “We will not limit the functionality of how WhatsApp works in the coming weeks. Instead, we will continue to remind users from time to time about the update,” it added. The frequency of reminders has considerably increased over the last few weeks, which can become slightly annoying after a point. It could also force some users to accept the new policy out of frustration. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/indian-government-asks-whatsapp-to-scrap-its-privacy-policy-calls-it-unfair-and-discriminatory/articleshow/82796725.cms">Indian government threatens legal action against WhatsApp’s new privacy policy – WhatsApp refuses to back down</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/whatsapp-responds-to-privacy-criticism-by-alleging-other-apps-like-zomato-ola-aarogya-setu-zoom-google-and-other-apps/articleshow/82570897.cms">WhatsApp responds to privacy criticism by alleging other apps and tech companies also show disdain for user privacy</a>

WhatsApp says it will wait for the Indian government to pass the Personal Data Protection law before limiting features

<ul><li>The Indian government has reportedly accused <keyword id="790242" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="WhatsApp">WhatsApp</keyword> of being ‘unfair’ towards Indian users.</li><li>The government has asserted that WhatsApp is discriminating between Indian and European users with its new privacy policy.</li><li>Apart from threatening legal action, the government made strong observations.</li><li>WhatsApp, however, seems to be refusing to back down, stating that a ‘majority’ of its users have already accepted the new privacy policy.</li></ul>The Indian government has put WhatsApp on notice as the messaging giant is yet to back down from its position. Reports suggest that WhatsApp may face legal action if it does not give a “satisfactory” response to a notice sent by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). A report by PTI, quoting government sources, says that the ministry has written to WhatsApp on May 18, asking the Facebook-owned company to respond within 7 days. More than just a threat of legal action It’s not just the threat of legal action that should worry WhatsApp – the government has taken a strong position with regards to contents of the privacy policy. According to the report, the government has termed WhatsApp’s decision to enforce its privacy policy as “irresponsible”, calling the terms and conditions as “unfair”. WhatsApp is used by 530 million users in India, according to government data. In the letter, the ministry has drawn the attention of WhatsApp to how its new privacy policy is a violation of several provisions of the existing Indian laws and rules. IT ministry takes umbrage to discrimination against Indian users The ministry has also taken offence to WhatsApp policy being “discriminatory” against Indian users, when compared to those in Europe. More specifically, WhatsApp users in Europe do not have to accept the new privacy policy. They can opt out of the changes without the fear of their WhatsApp account being deleted – a scenario that is not applicable for Indian users. European users have the General Data Protection Regulation (<keyword id="2556126" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="GDPR">GDPR</keyword>) to thank for it. With the Indian Data Protection law still under works, the Indian government might lack the teeth to force WhatsApp to withdraw its new terms and conditions. “The sole reason this Privacy Policy update is not enforced in the EU is because they have very strict and defined laws which expressly prohibit the same”, said Kazim Rizvi, Director at The Dialogue, a public policy think-tank. “It is crucial the Indian Data Protection law ensures maximum privacy protection for the users while also aligning with the security and economic realities of India,” he further added. WhatsApp isn’t backing down, for now Despite the threat of legal action and some strong observations by the ministry, WhatsApp seems undeterred. Apart from this, the company has also said that a majority of its users have already accepted the new privacy policy, but the company refused to specify the exact number. In a statement to Business Insider, the company said: <div type="ExtQuote" text="We continue to engage with the government and we reaffirm what we said before – that this update does not impact the privacy of personal messages for anyone.Our goal is to provide information about new options we are building that people will have, to message a business on WhatsApp, in the future. While the majority of users who have received the new terms of service have accepted them, we appreciate some people haven’t had the chance to do so yet.No accounts were deleted on May 15 because of this update and no one in India lost functionality of WhatsApp either. We will follow up with reminders to people over the next several weeks." auname="WhatsApp"></div> With inputs from PTI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/whatsapp-responds-to-privacy-criticism-by-alleging-other-apps-like-zomato-ola-aarogya-setu-zoom-google-and-other-apps/articleshow/82570897.cms">WhatsApp responds to privacy criticism by alleging that other apps and tech companies also show disdain for user privacy</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/whatsapp-group-admin-not-accountable-for-objectionable-post-by-other-group-members-clarifies-bombay-high-court/articleshow/82270907.cms">WhatsApp group admin not accountable for objectionable post by other group members, clarifies Bombay High Court</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/whatsapp-and-facebook-get-snubbed-by-the-delhi-high-court-that-allowed-indias-competition-regulator-to-probe-mark-zuckerbergs-companies/articleshow/82193239.cms">WhatsApp and Facebook get snubbed by the Delhi High Court that allowed India’s competition regulator to probe Mark Zuckerberg’s companies</a>

Indian government threatens legal action against WhatsApp’s new privacy policy – WhatsApp refuses to back down

The <keyword id="19895221" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Competition-Commission-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Competition Commission of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Competition Commission of India">Competition Commission of India</keyword> has dismissed a complaint against <keyword id="20201307" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Google India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Google India">Google India</keyword> alleging that the tech giant abused its <keyword id="22202852" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dominant-Position" source="keywords">dominant position</keyword> to favour <keyword id="20200171" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Truecaller" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Truecaller" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Truecaller">Truecaller</keyword> in the market for caller ID and spam protection apps, as it found no evidence of violation of <keyword id="20854369" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Competition-Law" source="keywords">competition law</keyword>. While dismissing the complaint, the fair trade regulator said, "The Commission finds that no prima facie case of contravention of the provisions of Section 4 of the Act is made out against <keyword id="6355629" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google" source="Orion">Google</keyword> in the instant matter". Section 4 of the Competition Act, deals with the abuse of dominant position. The ruling came on a complaint filed by Rachna Khaira (informant) accusing Google of granting exclusive access to Truecaller to share private contact information while prohibiting other apps from doing the same. Further, she alleged that this practice has distorted the market and created a monopoly for Truecaller. The informant also alleged that Google's developer policy prohibits unauthorised disclosure of non-public contacts, and Truecaller's privacy policy, to which she argued allowed the sharing of such information. Further, Khaira alleged that Google favoured Truecaller due to commercial arrangements involving Google's cloud storage and advertising services. The regulator after reviewing submissions from both Google and Khaira, found that the informant's claims were unsubstantiated. "...the allegation of the informant remains unsubstantiated and despite sufficient opportunity, the informant has not provided any evidence to prima facie establish that Google is according either preferential treatment to Truecaller or resorting to discriminatory practises by allowing access to user's contact data to Truecaller while denying the same to the competing applications," CCI said in an order on June 24. The competition watchdog also addressed the commercial relationship allegations against the tech major, stating that mere commercial relationships do not imply preferential treatment unless proven. However, the regulator found no evidence suggesting that these changes granted Truecaller a competitive advantage over its rivals. The request for interim relief by the informant to temporarily block Truecaller from operating on the Play Store was also rejected by the competition watchdog."The Commission finds that no prima facie case of contravention of the provisions of Section 4 of the Act is made out against Google in the instant matter. Accordingly, the Information is ordered to be closed," the fair trade regulator said.

Competition Commission dismisses complaint against Google India

San Francisco, Swedish telecom gear maker <keyword id="6356812" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="ericsson">Ericsson</keyword> has accused <keyword id="10591" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Samsung">Samsung</keyword> of violating its contractual commitments by failing to adhere to <keyword id="10427922" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="various-licensing-patent-agreements">various licensing patent agreements</keyword>. In a lawsuit filed at District Court in Texas in the US, Ericsson alleged that the South Korean tech giant failed to adhere to the fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms and conditions. Samsung's FRAND commitment is a contract between Samsung and <keyword id="1296450" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="European-Telecommunications-Standards-Institute">European Telecommunications Standards Institute</keyword>, Ericsson claimed in the complaint. "The application of the FRAND commitment in this instance is in relation to various global cross-licences that cover both parties' patents for 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular standards," reports ZDNet. "Samsung's breach has caused Ericsson to suffer actual damages, such as Ericsson's costs and expenses in pursuing futile negotiations with Samsung in an amount to be determined at trial. In addition, Ericsson is further entitled to obtain specific performance under French law," the lawsuit read. Samsung was yet to react on the Ericsson lawsuit. The Swedish company said it is seeking to attain a declaration that it has complied with its FRAND commitment, and that Samsung has not. With several of the licensing deals set to expire next year and negotiations still ongoing, Ericsson said the payment of IP royalties may be delayed. "In the event of delayed royalty payments and the potential costs of litigation, Ericsson predicted its operating income could decline by SEK 1-1.5 billion per quarter from 2021 onwards". Samsung is currently one of the leading 5G players in the world. <keyword id="135365" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Samsung-Electronics">Samsung Electronics</keyword> dominated the 5G smartphone market in western Europe in the first half of the year. According to market researcherï¿½Strategy Analytics, Samsung captured an 88% market share of all 5G smartphones shipped in Western Europe in the first six months of the year. "Samsung today is the clear 5G leader across Western Europe, due to a strong portfolio of premium Android models, such as the Galaxy S20 5G and A90 5G," said Ken Hyers, a director at Strategy Analytics. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/top-stocks-to-watch-future-retail-power-grid-cipla-delta-corp-yes-bank-adani-power-and-others/articleshow/79713824.cms">Top stocks to watch — Future Retail, Power Grid, Cipla, Delta Corp, Yes Bank, Adani Power and others</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/best-smartphones-of-2020-in-india/slidelist/79675101.cms">Best smartphones of 2020 in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/reports-suggest-that-tata-adani-and-hinduja-group-are-interested-in-air-india-divestment-plan/articleshow/79675955.cms">Last date for Air India divestment plan nears — reports suggest that Tata, Adani and Hinduja Group are interested</a>

Ericsson accuses Samsung of violating its contractual commitments on 5G patents

<keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s crackdown on Chinese firms and mobile apps is "becoming increasingly unhinged" and the action is nothing but "politically-motivated crackdowns on businesses from <keyword id="1334" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="china" source="Orion">China</keyword>", state-run Chinese paper <keyword id="107898" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Global-Times" source="Orion">Global Times</keyword> has said. The Indian government this week banned 54 Chinese mobile applications, which are posing threat to national security. The Income Tax department on Wednesday also carried out raids at multiple premises linked to Chinese tech conglomerate Huawei across the country in connection with alleged tax evasion. The Global Times said in an editorial that after failing to gain any advantage by stirring up tension at the border with China, which drew stern responses from Chinese soldiers, "New Delhi has shifted its out-of-control jingoism toward a more vulnerable target - Chinese businesses operating in India". "Over the past several months, Indian authorities have banned dozens of Chinese mobile apps and raided local branches of many Chinese firms in shady 'tax investigations'," the editorial said late on Thursday. Chinese telecom giant <keyword id="110306" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="huawei-technologies" source="Orion">Huawei Technologies</keyword> confirmed earlier media reports that Indian tax authorities raided multiple offices of the firm and questioned its local employees. In a statement, Huawei said that it was confident that its operations in the South Asian country "are firmly compliant with all laws and regulations" and that it would "fully cooperate" with Indian authorities. "Huawei's response is standard for any business caught in such circumstances; however, let's be clear, Indian authorities' raid most likely has nothing to do with the Chinese firm's compliance issues, but has a great deal to do with the increasing hostility of officials in New Delhi toward China," read the editorial. Before Huawei, several Chinese companies, including smartphone maker <keyword id="874458" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="xiaomi" source="Orion">Xiaomi</keyword>, have already been targeted. In January, Xiaomi was ordered to pay 6.53 billion rupees ($87.8 million) for unpaid taxes alleged by the Indian authorities, claimed the editorial. Last month, multiple tax raids were carried out at the premises of Chinese smartphone makers in the country. The Finance Ministry issued a statement, saying that Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi's local company in India had engaged in "tax evasion" and demanded that it pay a total of Rs 6.53 billion ($88 million) in taxes owed between April 2017 and June 2020. Xiaomi denied the claim, saying that the company adheres to legal and compliant operations around the world and abides with the relevant laws and regulations of each jurisdiction in which it operates. Chinese mobile phone brands are highly popular in the Indian market, and their market share far exceeds that of local Indian brands. According to the editorial, Chinese officials have expressed concern over Indian authorities' actions against Chinese businesses and have repeatedly called on the Indian side to treat Chinese firms fairly. Commenting on India's latest raid of Huawei offices and bans on Chinese apps, a spokesperson for the Chinese Commerce Ministry on Thursday mounted a noticeably stronger response, calling the actions "a series of crackdown measures" that have seriously harmed the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese firms. "For that, China expresses serious concern," the spokesperson said. "However, though New Delhi appears to be constantly testing China's patience, Chinese officials have and will likely continue to avoid being dragged into tit-for-tat measures with India," read the editorial. "With this, we believe China will take necessary measures to protect Chinese interests overseas wherever they face discriminatory actions." SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/investment/news/cryptocurrency-criminals-are-turning-into-crypto-whales/articleshow/89664896.cms">Some of the biggest cryptocurrency HODLers are also crypto criminals, finds Chainalysis report</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/cbi-questions-former-nse-ceo-chitra-ramkrishna-regarding-alleged-abuse-of-co-location-facility/articleshow/89664579.cms">CBI questions former NSE CEO Chitra Ramkrishna regarding alleged abuse of co-location facility</a>

You Searched For "discriminatory laws india" and got 11 results

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