Parliamentary Panel headed by Shashi Tharoor to examine WhatsApp snooping row today

November 20, 2019 08:31

A parliamentary committee headed by the Congress's Shashi Tharoor will examine the WhatsApp snooping issue today, in which the 31 members would seek details from top government officials on the steps the Centre is taking to prevent such incidents.

Sources said the lawyers and officials of the messaging platform owned by Facebook have also been called to explain their side of story.

Earlier this month, WhatsApp revealed that more than 120 journalists and activists in India have been the target of surveillance by operators using the Israeli spyware Pegasus.

Facebook, which claimed the snooping took place in April ahead of the national elections, has sued NSO, the Israeli firm that made the software. The social media giant claimed that Pegasus was used to target users not just in India, but across 20 nations.

Facebook has said that it remains committed to protecting messages of its users.

According to an official, the government has asked WhatsApp to present an explanation on the breach of privacy and list out measures taken to safeguard the privacy of millions of Indians.

The committee will also discuss the cyberattack on the Kundankulam nuclear plant.

With NSO claiming that its software was only licensed to "vetted and legitimate government agencies", opposition parties accused the centre of "snooping" on journalists and activists.

Several activists and three opposition leaders -- Congress's Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Nationalist Congress Party's Praful Patel -- have alleged that their phones were tapped.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Gandhis are not fighting from Amethi shows...: Smriti Irani

Irani said that Rahul Gandhi's candidature from Raebareli is a "victory" for the people in Amethi.

One of the strongest people I know: Nayar backs Shreyas amid career setbacks

Ahead of his side's Indian Premier League match against Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Abhishek Nayar hailed skipper Shreyas Iyer for his mental strength and positive approach to life.

Arey daro maat, bhaago maat: Modi taunts Rahul over Rae Bareli move

Modi said that Congress' tally in the Lok Sabha polls will be an "all-time low"

I still want a Gandhi to contest from Amethi: KL Sharma

'I have always been a 'sevak' of the Gandhi family and whatever responsibility the Gandhi family has entrusted to its sevak, I will fulfil it'

Ready For Some Dark Love On OTT?

Holidays turn into horror, Bhansali brand of razzmatazz and tons more on OTT this week.