Facebook India exec files FIR over ‘violent threats’

nNEWDELHI:DELHI Police’s cyber cell on Monday registered an FIR on a complaint by Ankhi Das, public policy director of Facebook India, who alleged receiving death threats and social media abuse after a report in the Wall Street Journal suggested the company displayed bias towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in censoring hate speech.

In her complaint, Das said she was receiving threats and demanded an FIR under provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to sexually coloured remarks, vulgar gestures through words, and criminal intimidation.

“The content, which even includes my photograph is evidently threatening to my life and body and I fear for my safety as well as that of my family members. The content maligns my reputation based on a news article and I am subjected to namecalling, cyber bullying and eveteasing online,” she said, demanding police protection.

Delhi Police’s specialised Cyber Prevention Awareness and Detection (CYPAD) team examined her complaint and registered an FIR.

“On a complaint regarding online threats and harassment received from Ms. Ankhi Das, Facebook India, a case has been registered under relevant sections of law on August 17 and investigation has been taken up by CYPAD Unit of Delhi Police,” a statement said.

A Facebook spokesperson said, “We take the safety and security of our employees seriously and care for their well-being. However, we do not comment on individual employee matters.”