iWorld
‘Don’t WhatsApp users’ data to FB’
MUMBAI: WhatsApp’s revised privacy policy has been rejected by the Delhi High Court on Friday. With a few safeguards, the online messaging platform’s modified policy was originally scheduled to come into effect on 25 September and proposed to share information of users with the parent company Facebook and affiliate entities.
This order came in response to a public interest litigation filed by the Over-The-Top (OTT) platform users against changes in the messaging service’s policy that took effect on 25 August. The order was given by the division bench of justices G Rohini and Sangita Dhingra Sehgal. WhatsApp has been directed not to share with Facebook information of users who would deactivate their accounts as well as the existing users up to September 25 to protect their interest.
The bench said that, keeping in view that the issue relating to the existence of an individual’s right of privacy as a distinct basis of a cause of action is yet to be decided by a larger bench of the Supreme Court, it was considering it appropriate to issue the said directions. WhatsApp had earlier informed the court that, when a user account was deleted, the information of that person was no longer retained on its servers.
The platform has been directed to erase all information, data and details of users who choose to delete their accounts. The bench has also prohibited the messaging service from sharing any data or information acquired from users who decide to remain post the date mentioned.
The aggrieved users had also sought for directions to be issued to the Centre and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to consider the issues regarding the functioning of applications like WhatsApp and take an appropriate decision as to whether it is feasible to bring the same under the statutory regulatory framework.
iWorld
Mumbai Police bans uniform reels and khaki swag videos
51,000 personnel ordered to stop social media content in uniform, violations face disciplinary action under 1979 rules.
MUMBAI: Mumbai’s finest are hanging up their khaki swag reels because sometimes the spotlight on uniform glamour risks turning into a security slip-up. In a circular issued on Thursday (20 February 2026) and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Dattatray Kamble, the Mumbai Police has directed all 51,000 personnel to immediately cease posting reels, mini-vlogs, or any videos shot while in uniform on social media platforms like Instagram. The order warns of strict disciplinary proceedings under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Disciplinary and Appeal) Rules, 1979 for non-compliance.
The crackdown targets the viral “khaki swag” trend that saw younger officers gain big followings through entertaining, dance-filled, or motivational clips in uniform. The circular notes that such content often inadvertently shows office premises, government vehicles, equipment, or duty-related details potentially compromising operational security and confidentiality.
The Mumbai Police Social Media Lab has been tasked with actively monitoring platforms and flagging violations. The move aligns with a July 2025 Government Resolution regulating social media use by state government employees, which bars self-promotion, criticism of policies, sharing confidential material, or posting offensive content. It also mandates clear separation between personal and official accounts, prohibits displaying designations, logos, government property, or office details (except in profile photos), and stresses avoiding anything that could harm the force’s image or discipline.
Senior officers acknowledge that while many reels appeared harmless or even boosted public engagement, the risks of breaching secrecy or projecting an unprofessional vibe outweighed the perks. The trend had produced stars like Amol Kale, who amassed over 583,000 followers and collaborated with celebrities including Ranveer Singh, Nora Fatehi, and Malaika Arora.
For a force that thrives on discipline and discretion, this directive is less about killing fun and more about keeping the uniform’s authority intact on duty and off the feed. From now on, the only reels Mumbai cops are expected to chase are the ones involving actual lawbreakers.
