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TWTR Stock Down 1%, Twitter Slammed by Indian Tech Ministry for Failing to Comply with New Rules

American microblogging and social networking service company Twitter Inc (NYSE: TWTR) is under fire from the Indian Technology Ministry for failing to comply with the Asian giant’s latest IT rules. Per a Reuters report, India’s technology minister said on Tuesday that Twitter had deliberately defied and failed to comply with the country’s new IT rules, which became effective in late May.

Twitter shares are currently down by 0.55% in today’s pre-market after a previous close of 0.99% to $60.23.

The details of the new rules affect all social media platforms operating in the country, including Twitter, and the outfits of Facebook Inc (NASDAQ: FB) including WhatsApp Messenger, must become more compliant with legal requests for swift removal of posts and sharing details on the originators of messages. Additionally, the new rules entail the social media platforms to set up grievance redressal mechanisms and appoint new executives to coordinate with law enforcement.

“There are numerous queries arising as to whether Twitter is entitled to safe harbour provision,” India’s IT Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted. “However, the simple fact of the matter is that Twitter has failed to comply with the Intermediary Guidelines that came into effect from the 26th of May.”

The rules designed to govern the IT and social media space were dubbed the Intermediary Guidelines and were first introduced in February. With the failure of Twitter to comply, the Tech Ministry warned the firm in a tweet earlier this month of “Unintended Consequences.” While it is yet unclear whether how the ministry will sanction Twitter for continued failure to comply with its rules, Reuters reported, citing a senior executive at the ministry that Twitter may no longer be eligible to seek liability exemptions as an intermediary or the host of user content in India.

Beyond the Flouted Indian Rules, Twitter Has Friction with Other World Governments

The growing tensions between the Indian government and its new rules are more evident in the ongoing brawl with Twitter. While the social media giant said it is working behind the scenes and will let the Indian authorities know how it is working to meet up with its requirements. 

“An interim Chief Compliance Officer has been retained and details will be shared with the Ministry directly soon,” the company said according to the Reuters report.

Meanwhile, the usage of Twitter is currently banned in Nigeria, after a tweet from the country’s President, General Muhammadu Buhari was taken down, citing a breach of its “abusive behavior” policy. The suspension of Twitter in the West African nation is indefinite, and the company said it is relating with the authorities to revert the ban.

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TWTR Stock Down 1%, Twitter Slammed by Indian Tech Ministry for Failing to Comply with New Rules