Facebook reps summoned before Tharoor-led MPs' panel on September 2

Representatives of Facebook have been summoned before the parliamentary standing committee on Information Technology on September 2 to discuss the issue of alleged bias in handling hate speech content by certain BJP politicians on the social media platform.

The issue had arisen following a Wall Street Journal report that made this shocking claim.

Besides, the panel has also asked representatives of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to remain present on September 2 to discuss the subject of “safeguarding citizens’ rights and prevention of misuse of social/online news media platforms including special emphasis on women security in the digital space.”

The standing committee of Information Technology is headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.

The notification came on a day when Nishikant Dubey, senior member of the committee and BJP leader, wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking removal of Tharoor as the panel’s chairman, alleging that he was using the platform for a political agenda.

Apart from Dubey, another member of the committee, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore of the BJP, too wrote to the Speaker on Thursday against Tharoor.

Related news: Tharoor flouted rules, remove him as panel chief: BJP MPs to Speaker

A day prior to the September 2 meeting, the panel will also discuss the issue of internet shutdowns. For the September 1 meeting, representatives of ministries of communications and home affairs have been called, as also those from Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, and Delhi governments, according to the agenda notifications issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Representatives of Information and Broadcasting Ministry, News Broadcasters Association, Press Council of India, and Prasar Bharati have been invited for the discussion on “Ethical Standards in Media Coverage.”