Samvad & Sandes - Government Develops Its Own WhatsApp, Beta Versions Being Tested

Amid the raging controversy over privacy on WhatsApp, the government is planning a whole new approach, its own version of the messaging app. Ministry of Electronics and Information and Technology (MeITY) have confirmed that two such apps are being tested in their beta stage, NDTV reported. They have been codenamed Samvad & Sandes, literally "conversation" & "message", respectively. Reportedly, the government also has plans for an app called GIMS - Government Instant Messaging Service - meant only for government of India employees to communicate. The biggest advantage of this app will be that one will never have to worry about data being stolen and used for commercial gains by big tech. Reports suggest that once beta testing is over, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is expected to dedicate the app to the nation. Watch the video to know more.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 19, 2021 05:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).