Facebook welcomes govt's new guidelines

February 25, 2021 21:23

Social media giant Facebook on Thursday said it has always been supportive of regulations that set guidelines for addressing "toughest challenges on the Internet", and pledged its support to ensuring safety and security of users on the platform.

Calling itself an ally for India, Facebook said it will continue to work towards fuelling the digital transformation of India.

"The details of rules like these matter and we will carefully study the new rules that were just published. We acknowledge and appreciate the recognition from the Minister on the positive contributions of social media to the country," a Facebook spokesperson said commenting on the new intermediary rules announced by the government earlier in the day.

The spokesperson added that the company welcomes regulations that set guidelines for addressing today's toughest challenges on the Internet.

"Facebook is committed to people's ability to freely and safely express themselves on our platforms. Facebook is an ally for India and the agenda of user safety and security is a critical one for our platforms. We will continue to work to ensure that our platforms play an enabling role in fuelling the exciting digital transformation of India," the spokesperson added.

Google and Twitter did not comment on the new intermediary guidelines announced on Thursday.

The government has tightened rules governing social media and streaming companies, requiring them to take down contentious content quicker, appoint grievance redressal officers and assist investigations. This has been done with a view to make social media and OTT companies accountable for "misuse and abuse" of their platforms.

Homegrown microblogging platform Koo said the new guidelines will help clarify the responsibilities of intermediaries.

"Only a small fraction of the social media users are found to be making posts which may be against the laws of the land. The social media guidelines help make addressing these kind of situations uniform across all social media platforms and ensures the safety of the majority social media users across India," a Koo spokesperson said.

It added that enabling and maintaining freedom of speech is core to social media platforms, and that the company will continue to work in the best interest of its users at all times.

"At the same time, we are committed to abide by the laws of the land. This policy will help protect the interest of citizens at large and keep nefarious elements at bay," the spokesperson said.

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