Twitter flags concerns over new IT rules

The central government’s battle with social media giants escalated on Thursday, with authorities giving companies 15 days to comply with the new digital media and Twitter joining Facebook-owned Whatsapp in criticising the “core elements” of the IT norms that came into force this week.

Twitter also sought a threemonth extension to implement the new rules.

A Twitter spokesperson said that the company is committed to the people of India and it will strive to comply with the applicable law while being guided by the 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,” the spokesperson said.

“We plan to advocate for changes to elements of these regulations that inhibit free, open public conversation. We will continue our constructive dialogue with the Indian government and believe it is critical to adopt a collaborative approach. It is the collective responsibility of elected officials, industry, and civil society to safeguard the interests of the public.”

“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,” the spokesperson added in a statement.

The controversial intermediary and digital platform guidelines came into complete effect on May 25, with social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp yet to NEW DELHI: