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The government beat a hasty retreat a day after Internet users in India learned the Draft Encryption Policy was recommending keeping tabs on their activities, which caused a huge outcry. However, after government's retreat, social media websites, 'web applications, social media sites, and social media applications such as Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter etc' stand exempted. (Image: Reuters) Here are 5 points to ponder over what the Draft Encryption Policy entailed and how IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad reacted today:
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1. Draft Encryption Policy: As per the original version of Draft National Encryption Policy, users of services that use encryption to secure communications, such as WhatsApp and other instant messaging services, were required to store all their communications for as long as 90 days and make them available to law enforcement agencies when legally asked to. </br></br>IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad's reaction: Govt to withdraw draft encryption policy </br>"I personally feel that some of the expression used in the draft are giving rise to uncalled-for misgivings. Therefore, I have written to DeitY to withdraw that draft, rework it properly and thereafter put in the public domain," Prasad told reporters. (Image: Reuters)
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3. Draft Encryption Policy: The government would have access to all encrypted information, including personal emails, messages or even data stored on a private business server. </br></br>IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad's reaction: Draft encryption policy not final view of the government</br>"Yesterday, it was brought to our notice that draft has been put in the public domain seeking comments. I wish to make it very clear that it is just a draft and not the view of the government. I have noted concerns expressed… by the public," Prasad said. (Image: Reuters)
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4. Draft Encryption Policy: Wanted everyone to hand over their encryption keys to the government. </br>IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad's reaction: Draft encryption policy to be redrawn, to specify who it will apply to. (Image: Reuters)
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5. Draft Encryption Policy: The draft, for which the DeitY has invited comments from the public till October 16, has suggested that “all vendors of encryption products shall register their products with the designated agency of the Government”.</br>IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad's reaction: Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promoted social media activism. </br>"The right of articulation and freedom, we fully respect but at the same time, we need to acknowledge that cyber space transaction is rising enormously for individuals, businesses, the government and companies," Prasad said. (AP Photo)
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