PIL Plea stated that complete encryption enabled messages sent by users would stonewall police investigations and will create problem for Law and order.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a public interest litigation petition seeking a complete ban on messaging platform WhatsApp. A welcome relief for many millions across the globe.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur asked RTI activist from Gurgaon, Sudhir Yadav, to move the government instead with his plea that complete encryption enabled for messages sent by users would stonewall police investigations, especially in terror cases.
WhatsApp had introduced end-to-end encryption with their updated version from April 2016. The messenger leader itself did not have the decryption keys to crack the code and would be unable to help the government in national interest, Mr. Yadav pleaded. Though it is a real concern for many but as of only government can decide the fate of the WhatsApp.
The Bench advised Mr. Yadav to approach the competent authority in the government, like the Department of Telecom, Information Technology ministry or TDSAT.
