Map row: JPC rejects Twitter explanation

New Delhi, October 28

A joint parliamentary committee (JPC) on Wednesday rejected as “inadequate” Twitter’s explanation for showing Ladakh as part of China, saying it amounted to treason.

The committee said an explanation must be tendered by the US-based parent of the social media platform in the form of an affidavit, sources said.

Appearing before the JPC on the Data Protection Bill, chaired by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi, representatives of Twitter India “begged apology”, but they were told that it was a criminal offence that questioned the sovereignty of the country and an affidavit must be submitted by Twitter Inc, not by its ‘marketing arm’ Twitter India, sources added. They were questioned for more than two hours.

Sources said some members also raised questions about Twitter’s transparency policy and its actions during elections, especially vis-a-vis their policies in other countries.

A Twitter spokesperson said, “The recent geo-tagging issue was swiftly resolved by our teams. We are committed to openness, transparency around our work and will remain in regular touch with the government to share timely updates.” — PTI

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