Government slams Meta, X for 'not aiding' bomb hoax probe

NEW DELHI: The ministry of information technology has pulled up X and Meta over what is being seen as their "non-cooperation" regarding investigations related to a series of bomb hoaxes that has disrupted flights, frustrating government, airlines, and travellers over the past few weeks.

The reprimand - which termed the non-cooperation of the companies virtually 'abetting the crime' - comes as the platforms were seen to be reluctant in sharing details about the user handles that sent out the fake warnings. All the handles that engaged in the mischievous messaging were found to be fake, which meant that the Delhi Police and other agencies were not able to find the real people behind them.

Sources said ministry officials, led by a top officer who handles content takedown orders related to social media companies, held a meeting with representatives of the internet giants and asked them to be "forthcoming and prompt" in providing information on the fake accounts.

"The ministry pointed out that prompt response is needed to ensure that the perpetrators and repeat offenders are identified swiftly, and nabbed," a source added.

However, the social media companies are understood to have told the government that they are ready to cooperate, but "can do so only when the requests come through the proper framework" mandated by law.

"The home ministry and IT ministry enjoy powers to seek details under specific provisions and specific conditions. The companies had cooperated when the requests came through proper channels and under specific provisions. However, the disconnect happens when agencies that are not mandated to seek information - such as certain wings of various state governments - ask for information," a source said.

The companies said that they "respect and follow the law of the land", adding that they refuse only when requests for information do not come according to the provisions of law.

The IT ministry has also pulled up the companies for "delays" in providing user details of the fake handles, allowing the perpetrators to go undetected. The companies have assured the government that they will hasten the process.

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