Twitter vs Indian Government Over New IT Rules: ‘Stop Beating Around The Bush, Comply With Law Of Land,’ Centre To Twitter

Twitter on May 27 said it was concerned about the "potential threat to freedom of expression" & "core elements" of new digital rules. Twitter broke its silence on new digital rules in the middle of its clash with the government over the "Congress toolkit" row & flagged concern over "the potential threat to freedom of expression" & "the use of intimidation tactics by the police”. In a sharply-worded statement, the social media giant said while it will "strive to comply with applicable law", it planned to ask for changes to elements in the rules "that inhibit free, open conversation". The Indian government retorted that the social media giant should "stop beating around the bush & comply with the laws of the land" instead of "dictating terms" to the world's largest democracy. The Ministry of Electronics & IT denounced Twitter's statement as "totally baseless, false & an attempt to defame India". Rules enforced on May 26 require social media platforms to appoint a compliance officer in India, set up a grievance response mechanism & take down content within 36 hours of a legal order. WhatsApp has sued the government, saying rules are unconstitutional and against user privacy. Watch the video to know more.