India Enlists WhatsApp to Tackle Deepfakes, Meta Raises Privacy Concerns

WhatsApp, a widely-used messaging app owned by Meta, has been a staple of communication in India. However, during election seasons, the platform has sometimes been utilized for the dissemination of fake videos and unwanted messages. In anticipation of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Indian government is contemplating the use of legislation that would compel WhatsApp to disclose the originator of the first message, aiming to combat the proliferation of fake videos on the platform.

In response, the instant messaging service has expressed concerns about the potential impact on user privacy, stating that it lacks access to the content of private conversations between individuals.

According to reports from The Indian Express, WhatsApp's request for information about the originator of messages is driven by the challenge of tackling the circulation of fake videos, often featuring political figures. The government may also enforce regulations under the Information Technology (IT) Rules of 2021 to reveal the identities of those responsible for sharing such content.

A government official emphasized that the initiative is not rooted in partisanship, as the fake videos in question depict deepfakes of politicians from various political affiliations. These misleading videos have raised concerns about their potential to undermine electoral integrity in India, prompting the government's consideration of sending a "first originator notice" to WhatsApp.

In 2021, WhatsApp and its parent company, Facebook, raised objections to this rule in the Delhi High Court. They argued that it could compromise the privacy of their users and lead to extensive surveillance.

Conversely, the government maintains that these measures will not disrupt the routine use of WhatsApp by the average user.

Simultaneously, WhatsApp is preparing to release an update, initially for a limited number of beta users, denoted as Android 2.23.21.12. This update introduces a new feature aimed at community chats, functioning as a reminder system within group conversations. Notably, it revamps icons to enhance the platform's overall aesthetics and introduces theme color updates for both dark and light modes, impacting chat bubbles and floating action buttons.

These developments indicate WhatsApp's continued evolution and adaptation to user needs and expectations.