Micro-blogging site Twitter has expressed its concern
over the potential threat ‘intermediary guidelines’ could cause to “freedom of expression” and “core elements.”
Earlier today, Twitter had said it would “strive to comply with applicable law” however it would ask for changes to “elements that inhibit free, open conversation.”
This however has raised suspicion that social media ‘super power’ fears the world’s largest democracy as it has asked three-months extension to implement the latest guidelines after thoroughly understanding it.
Reacting to Twitter’s statements, the government said, “do not dictate the world’s largest democracy instead comply with the rules.”
Also Read: “Don’t dictate to the world’s largest democracy instead comply with rules”: GoI tells Twitter
“Twitter needs to stop beating around the bush and comply with the laws of the land. Lawmaking and policy formulation is the sole prerogative of the sovereign and Twitter is just a social media platform and it has no locus dictating what India’s legal policy framework should be,” said the Centre.
Over the Twitter’s concern on freedom of speech, the Ministry asserted, “India has a glorious tradition of free speech and democratic practices dating back centuries
"Protecting free speech in India is not the prerogative of only a private, for-profit, foreign entity like Twitter, but it is the commitment of the world's largest democracy and its robust institutions,” it added.
The government further added that Twitter is trying to undermine India’s legal system by its actions and deliberate defiance.
Also Read: Congress Toolkit row: Delhi Police terms twitter’s “mendacious” statements mere sympathy seeker