Twitter seeks dialogue with IT Minister after order to block accounts

The microblogging platform also noted that safety of its employees is a top priority

Days after the Centre issued a notice to Twitter directing it to take down 1,178 accounts for allegedly spreading misinformation about farmers' protests, the microblogging platform on Tuesday said it is seeking formal dialogue with the Information Technology Minister.

Admitting that it has received a notice from the government, a Twitter spokesperson said, "We continue to be engaged with the government of India from a position of respect and have reached out to the Honourable Minister, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, for a formal dialogue."

The US-based company also said that the safety of its employees is a top priority.

The government, on February 4, had ordered Twitter to block 1,178 accounts having links to Pakistan and Khalistan supporters that are spreading misinformation and provocative content on farmers' protest.

The government is upset as Twitter failed to comply with its order.

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Prior to this, the government had ordered Twitter to take down handles and hashtags that suggested a farmer genocide was being planned. The Ministry also warned Twitter of taking penal action if failure to comply with its directive.

The government is also not happy with Twitter founder Jack Dorsey's decision to 'like' some of the tweets made in support of farmers protests.

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Reacting to the government notice, the Twitter spokesperson also said "it will take appropriate action regarding such reports while making sure we hold firm to our fundamental values and commitment to protecting the public conversation. An update is shared through our established channels of communication with the government."

The spokesperson emphasised that the company strongly believes that the open and free exchange of information has a positive global impact and that the tweets must continue to flow.