Summary
The Parliamentary panel on information technology has asked Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to ensure that the platforms are not misused to create division, incite violence, pose a threat to India's security, or allow the interference of foreign powers in the upcoming general elections. Citing tension between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, the panel asked Facebook to ensure that there is no leakage of information through social media. The panel also told Facebook
Highlights:
- Parliamentary panel on information technology has asked Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram to ensure there is no leakage of misinformation through social media platforms in the aftermath of the Pulawama attacks owing to ongoing tension between India and Pakistan.
- The panel also asked Facebook and other social media platforms to ensure that those are not misused to create division, incite violence and pose a threat to national security or allow the meddling of foreign powers in the upcoming general elections.
- Facebook executives told the panel that Facebook is a hybrid company but they could not provide details of the regulatory framework they would apply to its content, advertising and marketing operations in India. Last month, Facebook said that the advertisements that reference political personalities, political parties and elections, would carry disclaimers about who published and who paid for the ads.
- A few members referred to a UK parliamentary report on disinformation and fake news, which said the management structure of Facebook was opaque to those outside the business and seemed designed to conceal knowledge of and responsibility for specific decisions.
- Some members also raised concerns over “speculative posts” put out by Facebook employees following the Pulwama attack and the subsequent strike carried out by the Indian air force. When members pointed out that these posts had the potential to politicise a critical issue, Kaplan was reported to have apologised to the panel.
- Kaplan said, “We are grateful to the honourable parliamentary committee for giving us the opportunity to show how we are preparing for the Indian elections and helping keep people safe.”
- The panel also asked microblogging site Twitter to address the concerns of the Election Commission and work with the poll body in real time to address all high priority issues flagged by it.