More trouble for Twitter as it loses legal shield in India, FIR lodged in UP

It’s been over 20 days since the new IT Rules 2021 came into effect in India on May 25. While almost all digital entities have sent in their compliance reports to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, Twitter is yet to comply with the provisions of the new IT Rules 2021.

The mirco-blogging platform is yet to appoint the key officials mandated by the IT Rules 2021 – viz. Nodal Officer, Compliance Officer and Grievance Redressal Officer. Twitter had earlier stated that it had appointed an interim chief compliance officer and would be sharing the details with the government soon.

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This development means that Twitter has lost the immunity as an intermediary under the Indian laws and could be held accountable for any unlawful comment posted by users on the Twitter.

A Times of India report explained that top Twitter executives, including its MD, could now be questioned by the police and be held criminally liable.

In a latest development, FIR has been filed against Twitter, some journalists and Congress leaders in a case involving an attack on an elderly Muslim man in Ghaziabad, UP, earlier this month. Twitter and others have been accused of “provoking communal sentiments”.

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Commenting on the development, Sahil Chopra, Founder & CEO, iCubesWire, said, “Twitter, including other social media giants, were extremely helpful in helping and connecting people during the second wave of COVID-19, which was appreciated globally. However, following India’s laws and regulations are paramount for any company. With so much of fake news being spread through social media platforms, it is important to keep a tab on offensive content specially where religious sentiments can be hurt or fake news is spread on COVID vaccination. We are hopeful the Indian Government and Twitter can work thing out soon to ensure Indian laws and rules are followed.”