Draft on Encryption Policy Withdrawn, Says Centre: Highlights

New Delhi: Withdrawing the draft on encryption policy, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today said the central government fully supports the independence of social media.

Here are the highlights:

• We are very proud of the advance of social media under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• The committee had recommended the need for stand on encryption policy
• I wish to make it clear that it is just a draft not a law
• I have asked Deity to withdraw the draft
• The purpose of the encryption relates only to - this has to be very clear - ordinary citizens do not fall in this domain
• I personally saw the draft myself. Certain sections were giving rise to uncalled for interpretations
• Therefore I have asked Deity to withdraw, rework and reissue
• There are two issues here; enterprise creation of encryption, consumer use of encryption
• Let me make it clear the draft is not the final
• Given the concerns, I thought it is better to rework on it
• This is a proof of our government's democratic nature
• B2B Services, Banks, i.e. enterprises etc only come under this law
• Mr Prasad on Delhi government said they can govern, but why do they have to fight with everyone?