Published Paper Details:

The growing use of WhatsApp encryption has given users with unprecedented power over the privacy of their message information. However, a potential conflict has arisen between national security concerns and user privacy rights after the Indian government's recent amendment to the IT Rules in 2022. This paper assesses how WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption and the Indian government's motive for deeper access to encrypted conversations due to national security concerns are balanced. The paper examines the vital aspects of WhatsApp encryption and its advantages in protecting user privacy. Later, it compares the primary provisions of the IT ACT 2000 and IT Rules 2022 that are traceable and decrypted upon lawful interception. The paper highlights the drawbacks of these amendments to WhatsApp's encryption protocol and the potential outcomes for user privacy. In addition, the paper delves into cyber crimes that cause significant threats to national security. People who introduced the amendment emphasize the importance of access to encrypted messages for investigating cybercrimes and national security threats. On the other side, concerns have been raised about the possibility of misuse of powers and the violation of freedom of expression. The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate India's growing user privacy dilemma critically. A balanced strategy is advocated in the paper's conclusion, which offers several potential solutions to maintain a balance between both national security and user privacy rights in digital India.