iWorld
Rollback WhatsApp’s new privacy policy: GOI to Facebook
KOLKATA: The union ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has sought the withdrawal of the controversial new privacy policy sought to be introduced in India by the Facebook owned messaging service platform WhatsApp.
A notice issued to the social messaging platform has sought a reply by May 25, 2021, while noting that an unsatisfactory response may prompt legal action against the internet based application. The Indian government has previously banned several (similarly popular) web supported gaming applications emanating from neighbouring China after the Chinese military incursions into India’s sovereign territory resulted in lives of military personnel on both sides being lost.
The new privacy policy was initially expected to come into effect on 8 February but was deferred to 15 May in the wake of a severe backlash from users. WhatsApp intended to make it mandatory for users to agree to new data-sharing norms including one, it is alleged, that would result in sharing of data from WhatsApp business chats with third-party applications including its parent Facebook.
The advisory issued by the ministry on Tuesday noted, “The deferral (to May 15) does not absolve (read indemnify) it from respecting Indian users’ choice, the value of data security and informational privacy.”
MeitY is also unhappy with WhatsApp’s alleged discrimination between Indian and European users in the context of the same policy. According to the ministry, it is highly irresponsible of WhatsApp to leverage its position to impose unfair terms and conditions on the large number of Indian users using the messaging application for day-to-day communication purposes.
“In fulfilment of its sovereign responsibility to protect the rights and interests of Indian citizens, the government of India will consider various options available to it under laws in India,” the notice further stated. India constitutes the largest consumer base of WhatsApp with over 400 million subscribers resident here.
The private messaging platform has previously tried to allay fears over the privacy update stating that it was restricted to users of its business services and would in no way compromise the end-to-end encryption services offered by the application. “We’ve spent the last few months working to clear up confusion and misinformation. As a reminder this update does not impact the privacy of personal messages for anyone,” WhatsApp has repeatedly stated through recently issued advisories.
e-commerce
Samsung Galaxy S26 series now available for instant delivery on Instamart
AI powered flagship phones start at Rs 87,999 with launch offers up to Rs 9,000.
MUMBAI: In the age of quick commerce, even flagship smartphones are learning to arrive at your doorstep at lightning speed. Instamart has partnered with Samsung to make the newly launched Galaxy S26 series available for instant purchase on the quick commerce platform, expanding the category beyond groceries and daily essentials into premium consumer electronics.
The Galaxy S26 lineup, which includes the S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26, is now available across several major Indian cities including Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Pune, among others.
The flagship series introduces several new features, led by what Samsung describes as the world’s first built in Privacy Display on a smartphone, available exclusively on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The display is designed to enhance privacy while unlocking a new class of screen experiences.
The devices also integrate agentic artificial intelligence designed to quietly manage routine tasks in the background, allowing users to focus on more meaningful interactions with their device.
Positioned as a major step forward in AI powered smartphones, the Galaxy S26 Ultra also introduces enhancements in areas such as nightography photography and Photo Assist tools, aimed at improving low light imaging and AI driven creative editing.
Through the partnership, Instamart is extending its quick commerce proposition to high value electronics, allowing customers to order the Galaxy S26 series and receive it almost instantly once sales go live.
The Galaxy S26 series will be available starting at Rs 87,999. As part of the launch offers on Instamart, customers can avail an instant discount of up to Rs 9,000 using an HDFC Bank credit card. Buyers can also opt for No Cost EMI options for up to 9 months.
The move reflects the growing overlap between quick commerce and consumer electronics, as platforms race to deliver not just groceries but also premium technology products with the same promise of speed and convenience.
