Nishka Srinivas Veluvali
Published On: February 03, 2021 at 18:36 IST
The Indian Officials had an intense discussion with US Technology Giants, Google, Twitter and Facebook for not taking down the said content which is described as “Fake News” on their platforms.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Authorities have strongly condemned the Technology companies for their Negligence with regard to the Fake News and warned them that if this pertains, the Indian Government will Order removal of the content.
This warning of the Officials is receiving heavy International criticism claiming that the Authorities are suppressing Right of Free Expression.
The sources familiar with the virtual hearing stated that the discussions and conversations were very heated and vehement, indicating towards waning of the ties between Technology Giants and the Central Government.
The Government is been narrowing the Technology Sector Regulations and asking the companies to do more of the content modifications.
This meeting scheduled on Monday, was a follow – up of the I & B Ministry’s “Emergency Powers” in December and January to Order to jam 55 channels on the YouTube platform and some of the Twitter and Facebook accounts.
The Government had stated that the channels were promoting more of “Fake News” and “Anti – India” content and the false information was being spread by the accounts originated in the neighbouring country Pakistan.
This conference was also attended by the Indian content sharing platforms ShareChat and Koo.
The I&B Ministry along with Facebook, Twitter and Koo have not given any public statement regarding the meeting but Google had stated that they are reviewing the Government’s requests and “where appropriate” will take down, restrict or even remove contents in accordance with the local Laws.