Twitter’s First India Transparency Report and Compliance with New IT Rules
Twitter has taken significant steps towards compliance with India’s new IT rules by releasing its first India Transparency Report and appointing a Resident Grievance Officer.
Resident Grievance Officer Appointment
Following tensions with the government, Twitter has appointed Vinay Prakash as the Resident Grievance Officer, in addition to designating a chief compliance officer earlier. This move aligns with the requirements of the new IT rules and aims to enhance user grievance redressal mechanisms.
Compliance Report Details
In its maiden compliance report, Twitter outlined its actions between May 26 and June 25, 2021. The report mentions receiving 94 grievances and taking action on 133 URLs during this period. The grievances covered various categories such as defamation, abuse/harassment, sensitive adult content, impersonation, and privacy infringement.
Proactive Monitoring Data
Twitter’s proactive monitoring efforts resulted in the suspension of thousands of accounts related to issues like child sexual exploitation, non-consensual nudity, and promotion of terrorism. It’s crucial to note that these actions are global and not specific to India alone.
Future Plans and Transparency
Moving forward, Twitter plans to publish monthly transparency reports, incorporating feedback from the government and internal improvements for more detailed data. This commitment aims to ensure transparency and accountability in content moderation practices.
New IT Rules and Compliance Requirements
The new IT rules mandate digital platforms with over 50 lakh users to publish compliance reports monthly, detailing complaints received and actions taken. Non-compliance could lead to platforms losing their intermediary status and becoming liable for hosted content.
Upholding Indian Rules
The Indian government has been firm on enforcing the IT rules, emphasizing that all entities operating in India must adhere to local regulations. Twitter’s recent actions reflect a step towards aligning with these regulatory requirements.
Legal Scrutiny and Future Actions
Twitter’s compliance efforts come amidst legal scrutiny, with the Delhi High Court granting a two-week extension for filing an affidavit on IT rules compliance. The court’s stance emphasizes the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks in the digital sphere.
Twitter’s transparency report and grievance officer appointment signal its commitment to address user concerns and comply with India’s evolving digital regulations.
