You may not be able to delete Whatsapp conversation for 90 days if the Govt has its way

An ‘expert’ group set up by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) under the union ministry of communications and information technology has come up with a weird suggestion. The group suggests that one shouldn’t delete Whatsapp conversation for 90 days. The committee believes this would enhance data security.

A draft policy has been introduced under Section 84 A of the Information Technology Act (2000). Once finalised, rules for encryption of electronic information and communication will be introduced under the policy. The draft document is open to public comment until October 16. The draft document says that the policy's mission is to "provide confidentiality of information in cyber space for individuals, protection of sensitive or proprietary information for individuals & businesses, ensuring continuing reliability and integrity of nationally critical information systems and networks."

Every messaging service including Whatsapp, Facebook, Gmail use some form of encryption. Once approved this rule may be applicable to all instant messages and emails.

The proposal further reads, “All information shall be stored by the concerned B/C (business/citizen) entity for 90 days from the date of transaction and made available to Law Enforcement Agencies as and when demanded in line with the provisions of the laws of the country.”

So right from your password of the netbanking to your Whatsapp messages, everything might be stored in the system for a maximum of 90 days.

And next time you say anything against anything, know that the Big Brother err government is watching you.