Cong, CPM demand JPC probe into claims Facebook favoured BJP, went easy on hate content

NEW DELHI: Congress and CPM on Monday reiterated the demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into allegations that Facebook favoured BJP to advance its business interests. While Congress alleged that Facebook's “inaction” against hate content “destabilises” democracy in India, CPM said the platform should be barred from working with any government entity till such time that the findings of an inquiry into the matter are released.
“With all responsibility, I will say that Facebook's inaction destabilises our democracy. More often than not, Facebook takes no action and even worse, allows objectionable content to continue despite being brought to notice,” Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said.
She claimed Facebook had different rules for different countries and “that is not acceptable”. She criticised the Modi government for targeting Congress instead of responding to the claims made by the Wall Street Journal report on Facebook favouring BJP and right-wing leaders.
CPM echoed Congress’s demand for a JPC and alleged that Facebook had “deliberately failed” to take action against BJP leaders who violated its hate speech rules. The party said Facebook was “exposed” by the WSJ, particularly the functioning of its India policy chapter.
“This confirms the overall apprehensions over Facebook's activities across its three platforms: (the other two being) WhatsApp and Instagram. This exposure raises serious questions about the huge social media investment and operations of the BJP and its role in promoting hate between communities,” CPM added