Gurugram, Sep 28 – The Gurugram Police have initiated legal action against the directors and nodal officers of WhatsApp for failing to provide information requested during an ongoing investigation, according to police officials.
The controversy stems from a sensitive case in which the Gurugram Police, after securing necessary permissions from the relevant authorities, sent a formal notice to WhatsApp on July 17. The notice, delivered via email, sought specific information regarding certain mobile numbers. However, WhatsApp reportedly failed to comply, responding instead with objections deemed “illegal” by the police.
On July 25, the police followed up with another request, providing detailed information regarding the sought data. Despite repeated appeals, WhatsApp did not furnish the requested information until August 28, when no data was received.
Authorities have expressed frustration, stating that WhatsApp’s inaction has hindered the investigation and potentially aided the accused. The police emphasized that the company’s failure to cooperate constitutes a breach of its legal obligations under Indian law.
On Saturday, a case was registered against WhatsApp’s management at the Cyber Crime East police station in Gurugram. The charges include violations under sections 223 (A), 241, and 249 (C) of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act.
“The WhatsApp management has violated legal instructions by not providing the information sought,” the police stated in their announcement. The case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and technology companies over compliance with legal requests for information.