Union IT Minister says Twitter failed to comply with new IT rules
In a series of tweets the minister, the minister highlighted Twitter's non-compliance over the new IT rules that provide for the regulation of electronic transactions and cybercrime.
NEW DELHI:
Union IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday said that Twitter has failed to comply with the new IT intermediary Guidelines that came into effect from May 26.
In a series of tweets, the minister highlighted Twitter's non-compliance over the new IT rules that provide for the regulation of electronic transactions and cybercrime.
"There are numerous queries arising as to whether Twitter is entitled to safe harbour provision. However, the simple fact of the matter is that Twitter has failed to comply with the Intermediary Guidelines that came into effect from the 26th of May," Prasad tweeted.
He said that the objective of Intermediary Guidelines were to keep a check on fake news which can trigger outrage over petty issues given the varied demography of India.
"The culture of India varies like its large geography. In certain scenarios, with the amplification of social media, even a small spark can cause a fire, especially with the menace of fake news. This was one of the objectives of bringing the Intermediary Guidelines," The minister said.
He further stated that Twitter has lost the coveted "safe harbour" immunity in India over its failure to appoint statutory officers on the company's role in line with the new IT rules.
Prasad went on to say that when Indian companies like Pharma, IT or others go to do business in the USA or for that matter in any other country, they voluntarily follow the local laws of the region.
"Than why are platforms like Twitter showing reluctance in following Indian laws designed to give voice to the victims of abuse and misuse," Prasad concluded.
It may be mentioned that under the new IT intermediary Guidelines, compliance to be observed by intermediaries includes informing users about rules and regulations, privacy policy, and terms and conditions for usage of its services, and blocking unlawful information upon the direction of the court.
(Edited by Shankar Kumar Turha)
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