Internet Freedom FoundationMar 22, 2024
Were you among the millions of @WhatsApp users who got a DM from an account named ‘Viksit Bharat Sampark’?
The account, seeking feedback on government initiatives, is now barred by the Election Commission from sending messages. But several concerns persist… (1/10)
https://internetfreedom.in/whatsapp-message-from-meity/
A DM from the PM (and the storm it stirred)

Last week, millions of WhatsApp users received a message from the Ministry of Electronics & IT, undersigned by the Prime Minister, asking for feedback on schemes introduced by the incumbent government. We unravel what this means for your privacy and the electoral process.

Internet Freedom Foundation
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationMar 22, 2024
The message, accompanied by a letter from the PM, listed the various schemes and initiatives introduced by the incumbent government and was, in many cases, sent after the ECI released its Model Code of Conduct for upcoming elections. (2/10)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx6aTnftLnM
Viksit Bharat Sampark: When the government slid into our DMs... | Internet Freedom Foundation

YouTube
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationMar 22, 2024
It stirred a storm and how…
First, we wonder how exactly did MeitY secure the contact information of such a large number of people and when/how did it begin using this information for outreach purposes? (3/10)
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationMar 22, 2024
Several non-Indian citizens also reported having received the message – the legality and data privacy implications of how these contact details were acquired remain murky, which we have inquired about in our RTI request to the ministry. (4/10)
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationMar 22, 2024
While we do have data privacy norms in the yet-to-be-operational DPDPA, Section 17 of the Act can exempt the government and other public authorities from the ambit of the Act. So, the DPDPA may fail to adequately safeguard our privacy. (5/10)
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationMar 22, 2024
Second, why was @WhatsApp used as a medium of communication, & what responsibilities do platforms have? WhatsApp’s own policies require informed consent & for users to have explicitly given their phone numbers for this purpose. (6/10)
Show threadInternet Freedom Foundation
The message from the govt lacks information on how these contact details were obtained & when (/if) the recipient had opted-in to these messages. WhatsApp also stipulates a need to obtain “necessary permission”, which is presumably missing. (7/10)
Mar 22, 2024 at 10:30amWeb
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationMar 22, 2024
Concerningly, the timing of these messages may have to be viewed within the context of the upcoming election, as some users received the message the very day the ECI announced election dates. The MCC prohibits the incumbent govt from using mass media during the election period. (8/10)
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationMar 22, 2024
Disappointing, but this is not new. Political parties do have a history of using questionable means to identify and contact potential voters and appeal to them before election season, outlining the kind of welfare they can bring to the table. (9/10)
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationMar 22, 2024
If you want to support our work, consider becoming an IFF member! We’ve been fighting for your digital rights and as a community-funded organization, we rely on your support to keep us going. (10/10)
https://internetfreedom.in/donate/
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