By June 2021, Pakistan plans to release its own WhatsApp-like messaging app that will be fitted with all modern communication features.
The development was made after recent security concerns posed about WhatsApp’s latest privacy policy by global users and masses in Pakistan.
Federal Information Technology (IT) and Telecom Minister Aminul Haque said the Pakistani government would introduce the ‘Smart Office’ app by June 2021.
Orders were given by the federal cabinet to create the software and it will be for government employees. Haque added that progress on the Personal Data Privacy Bill now needs to be expedited.
The federal minister said that the government is well aware of WhatsApp users’ concerns about its updating policies and that users’ privacy rights should not be abused.
“Before updating its policy, WhatsApp should have taken user opinions and no company is permitted to impose its decisions on its users through limitations.”
“For global consumers, the policy should be the same. In some countries, including Europe, Brazil and the United States, the new policy will not be successful.
