WhatsApp says breaking encryption could force them to exit India

WhatsApp has argued before the Delhi High Court that the Indian government's 2021 IT Rules, requiring the messaging platform to trace chats and identify message originators, would violate user privacy and potentially force them to leave the country.

The Meta-owned messaging platform emphasizes its end-to-end encryption as a key selling point, assuring users their chats remain completely private. Lawyer Tejas Karia, representing WhatsApp, told the court that breaking this encryption would be a dealbreaker.

"We cannot comply with a rule that necessitates breaking encryption," Karia said. "If ordered to do so, WhatsApp would be unable to operate in India."

The government, however, argues that the ability to trace information is crucial for investigating crimes like the spread of hate speech or incitement to violence. They believe some compromise between privacy and security is necessary.

The court acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting the lack of similar laws elsewhere globally. They ordered further hearings on the matter while awaiting the consolidation of related cases from other high courts.