Ensure Twitter isn't used to spread terrorism: Prasad

The minister cautions that the country is 'sitting in the midst of a mini-terrorist hub

Telecom and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said social media platforms such as Twitter need to ensure they are not used to spread terrorism and extremism.

Prasad cautioned that the country was "sitting in the midst of a mini-terrorist hub." He met Twitter Global Policy Head Colin Crowell and discussed issues about the usage of social media, security and privacy as well as geographical representation of Jammu & Kashmir on the platform.

"I flagged one important issue to him, namely that while we fully welcome social media, we respect freedom of speech and expression, but Twitter also needs to ensure this lovely platform is not abused for terrorism and extremism. But people do abuse this platform and that care ought to be taken. India is sitting in the midst of a mini terrorist hub and faces this danger," he said after the meeting. The minister said Crowell acknowledged the problem. "In fact, he also said Twitter removed more than 100,000 entries because of this," he added.

Prasad said the issue of representing Jammu as part of Pakistan was also discussed.

"I formally communicated our deep sense of dismay and disapproval on this. A greater sensitivity needs to be shown by these platforms as far as our geographical identity and integrity is concerned," he said. Twitter had recently made a faux pas in its location-tagging service that showed Jammu as part of Pakistan and Jammu & Kashmir as being a part of China.

A number of Twitter users criticised it for the goof-up, with some terming it a bias against India. Twitter will unveil the 'Twitter for good' programme in India later this week to help provide relief in case of natural disasters.

Meanwhile, he also said the government was monitoring Ringing Bells, which announced the launch of the world's cheapest smartphone, and will take action if the company fails to deliver the Rs 251 handset.

"The ministry enquired into how prepared they are, whether they can provide a phone for Rs 251 or not. Whether they have the BIS certificate or not, we have spoken to them," Prasad said. He added that this was done to ensure that there would be no discrepancies later. "If there are any, we will take action as per the law. Our department is keeping a watch."

Concerns have been raised by the industry on feasibility of Ringing Bells' 3G smartphone at such a low price.

The company said the cost of the phone is about Rs 2,500, which will be recovered through a series of measures like economies of scale, innovative marketing, reduction in duties and creating an e-commerce marketplace.

The Income Tax Department is also looking into the financial structure of the company and has obtained documents, including those from the Registrar of Companies, in this regard.