Hate speech row: Congress wants Facebook to take action against its India executives

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday demanded that Facebook take action against its Indian executives, following a media report that claimed the social media company had not applied its hate speech rules to certain people and groups linked to the ruling BJP.

The CPM supported Congress’ call for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe, with party general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Monday saying that until that time, Facebook should be barred from operating with government departments or constitutional bodies such as Election Commission.

“We reiterate our demand for a JPC probe because no action which weakens our democracy and disturbs our social harmony will be tolerated. We also expect Facebook global to look into discrepancies that exist in its India operations and we hope Facebook will take immediate remedial measures,” Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said at an AICC press briefing.


The Congress and Trinamool Congress said there was a need for a deeper look into the menace of hate speeches on social media. Shrinate said, “I wish her well and I wish her safety, but similar kind of threats and hate speeches that exist on the social media platform need to be dealt with decisively. The various groups propagating conspiracy theories must be dealt with and reported to authorities.”