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You're aware that you have rights under DMCA too? File a counter-notification[1] explaining why you think the takedown isn't valid and Github will likely put the repo back online. And if WhatsApp doesn't like it, they can sue you.

[1] http://www.chillingeffects.org/dmca/counter512.pdf

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With $19B in pocket they can totally ruin his life with a lawsuit.

It's a pretty big leap from a vague and threatening letter to a life-ruining lawsuit... but IANAL and that's certainly possible.

Assuming you're filing a counter-notice in an instance where you have a good faith belief that the original takedown notice is in error, and that you can support that belief, it's rather unlikely that the counter-notice alone will make the supposed copyright holder more disposed towards litigation. Especially if they knowingly misrepresented matters in the takedown, opening themselves up to damages and attorney's fees.

In any case, they can already sue you regardless of whether a takedown notice is issued in the first place. :)

There's still a mandatory 10(?) day delay before the content can be reinstated.

Hey, I never said it was a fair and just process, but the designers of the DMCA at least did consider that the takedown process might be abused.

They should have solved that issue then, not just consider it.

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