Facebook denies ties with BJP, says company prohibits content that incites violence

Amid the growing controversy over reports that Facebook gave leeway to hate speeches and posts by BJP leaders, a spokesperson of the social media company on Sunday (August 16) said that Facebook prohibits hate speech and enforces policies globally regardless of political position of anybody.

Amid the growing controversy over reports that Facebook went soft on hate speeches and posts by BJP leaders, a spokesperson of the social media company on Sunday (August 16) said that the company prohibits content that can incite violence and enforces policies globally regardless of political position of anybody.

"We prohibit hate speech and content that incites violence and we enforce these policies globally regardless of anyone’s political position or party affiliation. While we know there is more to do, we're making progress on enforcement and conduct regular audits of our process to ensure fairness and accuracy," asserted Facebook spokesperson.

The controversy started on Friday (August 14) after American daily Wall Street Journal published a report accusing Facebook of being biased in its functioning in India as the social media company kept aside its hate speech policy and allowed BJP leaders to post hateful comments and messages on Facebook. The WSJ report added that Facebook did so only to maintain good relations with BJP government in India.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi also shared the article titled "Facebook Hate-Speech Rules Collide With Indian Politics - Company executive opposed move to ban controversial politician" that highlighted how Facebook and WhatsApp failed to take action against BJP leaders for posting objectional materials and hate speeches. It is to be noted that WhatsApp is also owned by Facebook. Rahul also accused the ruling BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of controlling Facebook and WhatsApp in India.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday (August 16) hit back at Rahul by tagging him "losers who cannot influence people even in their own party".

"Losers who cannot influence people even in their own party keep cribbing that the entire world is controlled by BJP & RSS. You were caught red-handed in alliance with Cambridge Analytica & Facebook to weaponise data before the elections & now have the gall to question us?" the minister said.