Govt Objects To Twitter Flagging BJP Leaders' Tweets On 'Congress Toolkit' Issue: Sources

Earlier today, Twitter put up a 'manipulated media' notification on BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra's tweet where he posted about the alleged Congress toolkit.

Representative Photo: Getty Images

New Delhi: The Indian government has objected to Twitter for flagging BJP leaders' tweet on alleged Congress toolkit to target Centre over its Covid-19 handling as 'manipulated media', news agency PTI reported sources as saying.

As per reports, the Union government has asked the micro-blogging site to remove 'manipulated media' tag as the matter is pending before law enforcement agency, and made it clear that the social media platform cannot pass judgment when the issue is under investigation.

The development comes hours after Twitter put up a 'manipulated media' notification on BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra's tweet where he posted about the alleged Congress toolkit.

Investigation will determine the veracity of the content and not Twitter, sources quoted Centre as asserting while it asked Twitter not to interfere in the investigation process.

Sources close to the news agency also stated that Ministry of Electronics and IT has written a strong communication to the global team of Twitter registering its objection to the 'manipulated media' tag on tweets made by some political leaders with reference to the toolkit allegedly created to undermine, derail and demean the efforts of the government against the COVID-19 pandemic.

"While the local law enforcement agency is undertaking the investigation, Twitter has unilaterally drawn a conclusion in this matter and arbitrarily tagged it as 'manipulated media," sources said.

They also pointed out that such tagging by Twitter appears pre-judged, prejudiced and a deliberate attempt to colour the investigation.

Meanwhile, Congress has said that its stand on 'Covid toolkit' issue stands validated after Twitter used 'manipulated media' tag for Patra's tweets.

It must be noted that Twitter may label tweets that include media (videos, audio, and images) that have been deceptively altered or fabricated.