In the 21st century, Internet has undoubtedly become a very important part of our life. Technology and Internet are shaping our opinions, for good or for ill. The right of free expression is one of the most positive aspects of digital age, however, it can also be used in a negative way. Thus, every digital platform introduced its own set of policies to tackle the negativity; however, sometimes these policies could prove to be the biggest hurdle in free expression.
The tech giants Twitter and Facebook have divided its operations around the world into regions. Though this sounds convenient to control the operations, the division has raised some concerns in Pakistan, since Twitter India and Facebook India administrate the Facebook profiles and Twitter handles in Pakistan.
Twitter India is apparently applying “Indian law” to Pakistani twitter handles; by any stretch of imagination, could this be fair? What is happening to “sense of justice & fair play” of US corporations like Twitter? Very Very Strange!
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) November 20, 2017
Although both Twitter and Facebook claim to be all in for digital freedom and digital rights, the complication in this particular matter is that Twitter India and Facebook India are both registered in India and are bound by the law of India.
Management/Administrative control of Twitter handles in Pakistan apparently lies with Twitter India; Is this fair on part of Twitter & its top Management in the US?
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) November 20, 2017
Since the two are bound by the law of Indian government, their terms are conditions are largely shaped according to the law of India. Thus, it concerns citizens of Pakistan how their opinions, tweets and posts will be treated under the situation since the two countries are arch enemies. The citizens of two countries have different narratives, different concepts of patriotism and different perspectives when it comes to Kashmir.
According to Indian law, you can’t post things which appear to be anti-state. Since the policies of two tech giants are largely influenced by the state’s law thus, it will lead to the removal of any post/tweet which may criticize the Indian government. For instance, tweets or posts against atrocities carried out by India in Kashmir may be considered as against Twitter or Facebook’s policies now and appropriate steps would be taken by the tech companies against the account holder.
A practical example of this influence was seen in July 2017, when Facebook removed all posts related to Burhan Wani and Kashmir, suspended accounts and pages talking about Burhan Wani and Kashmir.
Although ‘Internet Governing Laws’ don’t allow the digital platforms to develop their policies according to one country’s law, however, the removal of these posts and suspension of pages indicate that Twitter and Facebook’s policies are largely influenced by Indian Law.
Moreover, the absence of Pakistan and the active participation of Indian Parliment in developing the policies of Twitter India, which are going to be applicable in Pakistan equally, has raised concerns in Pakistan.
Keeping in mind the rivalry between Pakistan and India, maybe it’s better to place Pakistan in a different region to ensure freedom of expression and minimize biases.
