×
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Centre seeks details of algorithm, processes used by Facebook amid hate speech allegations

The government has also asked Facebook to provide details of steps taken to safeguard users
Last Updated 28 October 2021, 17:14 IST

With Facebook embroiled in a fresh row over its alleged failure to check the spread of fake news and hate speech, the Centre has sought an explanation from the social media giant about its algorithms to manage content.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sent a letter to Facebook India’s Managing Director Ajit Mohan seeking details of the algorithms and processes used by the company to moderate content on its platform.

Based on the company reply, the IT Ministry may take further steps including an investigation into the issue. "If required, the government may summon the company executives to seek explanation," said an official in the IT Ministry.

The US-based social media giant landed in a row after Frances Haugen, a former employee-turned-whistleblower, provided thousands of internal documents showing how the company's systems can fuel hate speech and fake news. The whistleblower claimed that Facebook chose profit over user safety.

With over 40 crore users, India is the biggest market for Facebook.

(With PTI inputs)

Check out the latest DH videos here:

ADVERTISEMENT
(Published 28 October 2021, 07:57 IST)

Follow us on

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT