Delhi High Court has called for a response from WhatsApp regarding a plea submitted by a couple seeking the removal of a sexually explicit video from the platform’s servers, databases, and cloud storage. Justice Subramonium Prasad was hearing the matter and issued notices.
The Delhi High Court has called for a response from WhatsApp regarding a plea submitted by a couple seeking the removal of a sexually explicit video from the platform’s servers, databases, and cloud storage. The couple’s plea highlights a significant concern regarding privacy breaches and the circulation of intimate content without consent.
The petitioners had initially reached out to WhatsApp’s grievance officer in February 2024, requesting the complete eradication of the videos from all WhatsApp-related storage and platforms to prevent further circulation. Despite their efforts, the couple conveyed to the court their dissatisfaction with WhatsApp’s handling of the situation. They stated,
“However, the Respondent No. 2 (WhatsApp), despite being fully aware of the impact of any such circulation/leakage of Intimate Content, showcased its complete insensitive behavior and failed to properly address the grievance of the Petitioners which was arbitrary, unreasonable, unjust, ineffective, and insensitive on the part of the Respondent No. 2.”
The distressing situation has significantly impacted the couple’s daily lives, leaving them in a state of perpetual fear of public exposure and humiliation. They expressed to the court that the constant dread of the video becoming public has disrupted their ability to lead normal lives. Justice Subramonium Prasad was hearing the matter and issued notices.
Furthermore, the couple criticized WhatsApp for its lack of effective action and sensitivity towards the issue. They argued that the platform did not take “any effective, reasonable, or serious steps” nor did it “adopt a sensitive approach” to protect the petitioners’ reputation and rights. This case underscores the growing concerns over digital privacy, the responsibilities of online platforms in handling sensitive content, and the legal measures available to individuals seeking to protect their privacy and dignity.
The Delhi High Court’s involvement in this case signifies the legal system’s acknowledgment of the severity of privacy breaches and the need for stringent measures to safeguard individuals’ rights in the digital age. The outcome of this plea could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, emphasizing the balance between technological advancements and individual privacy rights.
