Twitter alerts users about requests from law enforcement agencies

Twitter has alerted several users like fact-checking website Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair and cartoonist Manjul about unnamed law enforcement agencies approaching the platform to take down certain tweets over alleged violation of the law.

Ministry of Electronics and IT sources said it did not send these legal requests to Twitter.

The notice sent by Twitter to some users states that they have received a request from Indian law enforcement regarding content on their account that claims to be a violation of Indian laws.

Citing transparency in its operation, Twitter stated that it would notify users as per its policy if it receives a legal request from law enforcement or government agencies to remove content from an individual's account.

Further justifying its action of notifying the user about the official request, the micro-blogging platform said it wants to give them a chance to evaluate the request and, if needed, take appropriate action to protect themselves.

Several users shared screenshots of notices sent by the platform.

Twitter has been in the crosshairs of the government ever since it failed to meet the deadline of complying with the new IT rules that require large digital platforms to undertake greater due diligence and make them more accountable and responsible for the content hosted by them. 

According to the new IT rules, social media platforms will have to take down flagged content within 36 hours and remove the same within 24 hours of being flagged down.

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• Twitter notice
• Law enforcement
• Action on Tweets
• Take down notice
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