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Twitter expresses concerns over threat to freedom of speech, says need 3 months to comply with new rules

Micro-blogging site Twitter is the latest of the big tech companies that has expressed itself over the new IT rules that came in place on May 25.

Twitter expresses concerns over threat to freedom of speech, says need 3 months to comply with new rules-dnm
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New Delhi, First Published May 27, 2021, 2:16 PM IST

New Delhi: Twitter today broke its silence on new digital rules in the middle of its clash with the government over the "Congress toolkit" row and flagged concern over "the potential threat to freedom of expression" and "the use of intimidation tactics by the police".

Twitter Inc said on Thursday it was worried about the safety of its staff in India, days after Delhi Police personnel visited its offices in south Delhi and Gurugram to "serve notice" in connection with their probe into the controversial 'toolkit' case.

"Right now, we are concerned by recent events regarding our employees in India and the potential threat to freedom of expression for the people we serve," a Twitter spokesperson said.

The social media giant also said that it will strive to comply with the law and will be strictly guided by principles of transparency.

“Twitter is deeply committed to the people of India. Our service has proven vital for the public conversation and a source of support for people during the pandemic. To keep our service available, we will strive to comply with applicable law in India. But, just as we do around the world, we will continue to be strictly guided by principles of transparency, a commitment to empowering every voice on the service, and protecting freedom of expression and privacy under the rule of law," a Twitter spokesperson was quoted as saying.

The micro-blogging site urged the technology ministry to give it three more months to comply with the new content regulation rules, which include the appointment of an Indian grievance officer to deal with complaints.

Twitter said it was very concerned the rules made the compliance officer criminally liable for content on the platform, adding the move represented a dangerous overreach.

This is the first time the micro-blogging site has spoken on the rules that require social media platforms to appoint a compliance officer in India, set up a grievance response mechanism and take down content within 36 hours of a legal order. WhatsApp has sued the government, saying the rules are unconstitutional and violate user privacy.

Twitter has been on the radar of the government and the police after it marked posts by BJP leaders on an alleged "Congress toolkit" as "manipulated media". The government asked Twitter to remove the tag and the Delhi Police visited Twitter India's offices in Delhi and Gurgaon on Monday evening to serve notice asking for an explanation.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona 

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