'Open & Free Exchange Of Information Has Positive Impact': Twitter Seeks Dialogue With Indian Govt

“We continue to be engaged with the Government of India from a position of respect and have reached out to the Honourable Minister, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, for a formal dialogue,” PTI quoted a Twitter spokesperson as saying.

Twitter Logo | Stock Image

Days after the Ministry of Information Technology ordered Twitter to block 1,178 accounts that were spreading misinformation and provocative content on the farmers’ protest, the micro-blogging platform on Tuesday said it continues to be engaged with the Indian Government and has reached out for a formal dialogue in this regard. 

“We continue to be engaged with the Government of India from a position of respect and have reached out to the Honourable Minister, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, for a formal dialogue,” PTI quoted a Twitter spokesperson as saying. The spokesperson also emphasized that the safety of its employees remains a top priority. 

READ: Actor-Activist Deep Sidhu, Accused Of Instigating Red Fort Violence, Arrested By Delhi Police Special Cell

Noting the company reviews every report it receives from the government as expeditiously as possible, the spokesperson said an acknowledgement to the receipt of the non-compliance notice has also been formally communicated.

The spokesperson stressed Twitter strongly believes that open and free exchange of information has a positive global impact.

The statement assumes significance as Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey had recently raised quite a few eyebrows when he ‘liked’ tweets which praised international pop sensation Rihanna for extending her support towards the farmers protesting in India.

Besides the order issued on February 4, the government had earlier asked Twitter to take down handles and hashtags that suggested a farmer genocide was being planned. 

The government, which has come under sharp criticism following the farmers’ protest against the three farm laws, in its earlier order said such misinformation and inflammatory content will incite passion and impact public order.

The government had also warned the micro-blogging platform of penal action in case of failure to comply with its directive.