Par Panel meets social media platform officials; FB apologises for employees' remarks on Pulwama attack, terrorism

Facebook Global Policy Head has apologised to the committee for remarks made by Facebook employees on terrorism and Pulwama attacks.

By : ABP News Bureau | Updated at : 06 Mar 2019 03:05 PM (IST)

Par Panel meets social media platform officials; FB apologises for employees' remarks on Pulwama attack, terrorism Par Panel meets social media platform officials; FB apologises for employees' remarks on Pulwama attack, terrorism

Facebook had said hackers had exploited a vulnerability in its system, impacting up to 50 million accounts. (Image: AFP)

Par panel concerned over ability of Facebook to check misuse of its platform

Panel seeks written reply From FB, WhatsApp on how they're tackling fake news

Standing Commitee asks them to engage more with the Election Commission of India

FB Global Policy Head apologized to the committee for remarks made by its employees on terrorism, Pulwama attacks

New Delhi: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, on Wednesday questioned the social media platforms Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram on a number of issues including fake news and protection of data, ahead of the national polls. As per news agency ANI, the panel sought a detailed report from Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram regarding the steps taken by them towards protecting citizens data. The Standing Committee asked them to take concrete steps to tackle fake news and engage more with the Election Commission of India. “Indian elections, national security, protecting citizens data is our top priority, send us clear written replies in 10 days”, said the panel led by BJP leader Anurag Thakur. As per reports, the members of the committee also directed the social media companies to tell as to how they intend to address sensitive issues ahead of the Lok Sbah elections. On being asked by the Parliamentary Standing Committee, “Is your platform serving society or dividing communities?” Facebook said “they are a hybrid company,” ANI reported citing sources. It said that the social media giant failed to clearly answer which regulatory framework applies to their content, advertising and marketing ops in India. Facebook has given a commitment to the panel that identity, location and who paid for advertisements during elections will be available on a special web page for users, sources said. Facebook vice president (Global Public Policy) Joel Kaplan appeared before the panel to elaborate its functioning and planning with regards to Indian citizen’s data rights During the hearing Facebook Global Policy Head also apologized to the committee for remarks made by Facebook employees on terrorism and Pulwama attacks. Reports said that no one from Twitter appeared in the hearing.