Question : Misuse of Social Media by Political Groups

Will the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken any steps to curb the alleged dominance and supremacy by a political group on social media networks particularly on Facebook and Twitter to tarnish the image of those who indulge in constructive criticism of policies;
(b) if so the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor,
(c) whether the Government has held talks with the Indian and Global heads of Facebook, Twitter and other social media networking sites to remove any unwanted intrusive behaviour and posts by such political groups; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard?

(a) to (d): There were media reports that Facebook’s hate-speech Rules collide with Indian politics, thereby trying to tarnish the image of those who indulge in constructive criticism of policies. Minister for Electronics & Information Technology has written to CEO, Facebook about alleged bias of the platform and to ensure integrity and neutrality of Facebook and the people working for Facebook. Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology has already taken up the matter with Facebook.

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