[Law & Tech] Twitter probed for not following Indian Laws

Twitter officials were summoned to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, wherein they were directed to follow the rule of the land. The rule of the land is supreme, mentioned the committee.

Amidst getting caught up with the government with regards to the new IT rules, as well as the recent FIR against it in Ghaziabad, Twitter officials were also asked to be present at the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Technology on Friday.

Shagufta Kamran, Twitter India’s public policy manager, and Ayushi Kapoor, legal counsel, were deposed before the panel for 90 minutes, according to various media reports. The said panel is currently being chaired by Congress leader, Shashi Tharoor.

Issues of ‘misuse’ of the platform and ‘protection of citizens rights’ were cited as reasons behind summoning Twitter. Non- compliance with the new IT rules as well as the recent ‘manipulated tag’ for the tweets containing a ‘toolkit’, was a major part of discussions with the panel. It has also been reported that Twitter is being asked to submit a written reply to a set of questions.

The panel while being unanimous on the stance of compliance to the IT rules, was reported to be divided on the issue of the ‘manipulated media’ tag in the toolkit case. While the members part of the ruling party questioned the social media company regarding it, the other members kept quiet. On being questioned regarding the tag Twitter reiterated its stance of adhering to its policy of tagging.

Regarding the issue of non-compliance to the new IT rules, the officials stated that Twitter had appointed an interim chief compliance officer. “However, the members noted that the rules required the appointment of chief compliance officer and Twitter has failed to do so.”, reported ANI.[1]

After appearing on the panel, Indian Express also reported that Twitter welcomed the chance of appearing on the panel, and the spokesperson further stated that Twitter “stands prepared to work with the Committee on the important work of safeguarding citizens’ rights online in line with our principles of transparency, freedom of expression, and privacy”. It said it will also “continue working alongside the Indian Government as part of our shared commitment to serve and protect the public conversation.”[2]