Delhi High Court’s Warning to Twitter: Comply or Face Consequences
Twitter faced a severe reprimand from the Delhi High Court as it criticized the social media platform for its failure to appoint a resident grievance officer (RGO). The court warned Twitter of dire consequences if it did not provide a clear response and comply with the regulations promptly.
High Court’s Rebuke
During the hearing, Justice Rekha Palli admonished Twitter’s counsel, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. The court demanded a clear response from Twitter and requested information regarding the company’s adherence to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021).
The bench reminded the central government that it had not granted any protection to Twitter, indicating that the government was free to take action against the social media giant for its violations.
Government’s Allegations
The central government alleged that Twitter India had blatantly disregarded the IT Rules, 2021, citing four major violations:
- Failure to appoint a chief compliance officer.
- Vacancy in the position of the resident grievance officer.
- Vacancy in the position of the nodal contact person.
- Removal of the physical contact address from Twitter’s website.
The government informed the court that Twitter had been given a three-month window to comply with the rules but had failed to do so.
Twitter’s Response
Twitter’s representative, Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya, acknowledged the appointment of an interim grievance officer but stated that the candidate had withdrawn. However, the court criticized Twitter for not appointing a replacement promptly.
The court expressed frustration with Twitter’s delay, emphasizing the urgency of compliance with Indian regulations. Despite Poovayya’s request for more time to obtain instructions from Twitter’s headquarters in San Francisco, the court insisted on prompt action.
Next Steps
The court demanded that Twitter inform them of its plans to appoint an RGO and other officials by the next hearing. The matter has been scheduled for further discussion, and Twitter has been directed to expedite the appointment process.
The court’s warning underscores the seriousness of compliance with the IT Rules, 2021. Twitter’s failure to adhere to these regulations could have significant consequences for its operations in India.
The case, initiated by advocate Amit Acharya, highlights the importance of social media intermediaries’ responsibility to appoint grievance officers promptly. It emphasizes the need for efficient mechanisms to address complaints and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.