Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, in an exploratory remark, has claimed that India had put pressure on the micro-blogging platform, including giving threats of winding it down and conducting raids on employees' homes.
During an interview with YouTube channel Breaking Points late on Monday, Dorsey said that the threats came as Twitter refused to comply with the government's demands to block accounts during the farmers' protests in early 2021.
"We would raid the homes of your employees', which they did; We will shut down your offices if you don't follow suit. And this is India, a democratic country," Dorsey said on the channel when asked to share some examples of pressure from foreign governments during his tenure, before Elon Musk took over.
"India is a country that had many requests of us around the farmers' protest, around particular journalists that were critical of the government, and it manifested in ways such as 'we will shut Twitter down in India', which is a very large market for us," Dorsey further said.
The government was yet to respond to Dorsey's allegation.
Last year, Twitter told the Karnataka High Court that it was asked to completely block numerous multiple accounts during the farmers' agitation on the borders of Delhi in 2021.
Twitter, in its petition before the High Court, maintained that blocking orders by the Union government violate the rights of users under the Constitution. The petition also described the move of the government as arbitrary and in violation of Section 69 A of the IT Act.
The Central government maintained that the blocking orders were issued in the national and public interest, and action was taken to prevent lynching and mob violence.
Tripura’s per capita income will be $23,000 by 2047, asserts CM Saha
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said that the government has set a target to increase the state’s per capita income from the current $2,300 to $23,000 by 2047.
Leverage your manufacturing strengths and draw investments: PM Modi to states
India has changed significantly over the last decade, our economy has grown and 25 crore people have been freed from poverty, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday.
NDA CMs to deliberate on vision of ‘Viksit Rajya’ for ‘Viksit Bharat’ in crucial meeting tomorrow
In a high-level meeting scheduled for Sunday in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a pivotal gathering of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Chief Ministers to deliberate on the vision and strategic action plan for achieving Viksit Bharat @2047.
NDA CMs, Dy CMs to discuss governance models; PM-led conclave to pass resolutions on Operation Sindoor and caste enumeration
In a significant political gathering, around 20 Chief Ministers and 18 Deputy Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states will meet in the national capital for a day-long brainstorming session on ‘Good Governance’ on Sunday.
Pushed into corner, Bangladesh's Yunus cites 'foreign conspiracy' behind poor governance
Confronting a major political crisis after a chaotic last few months, the interim government in Bangladesh led by Muhammad Yunus on Saturday blamed "defeated forces" and "foreign conspiracy" for obstructing the normal functioning environment and creating confusion and suspicion among the public.
CM Dr Manik Saha attends NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi; says, Govt prepares strategic roadmap for development of Tripura
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday attended the 10th meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the Tripura government has prepared a strategic roadmap for development of the state.
Rising Northeast summit attracted Rs 4.3 lakh crore investment: DoNER Minister Scindia
Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday said that the Rising Northeast summit has attracted an investment of Rs 4.3 lakh crore, and this is the preface of the voyage in terms of strengthening the North Eastern Region (NER), making it a true engine of India's progress.
Indian delegation wraps up successful Japan visit, departs for South Korea
The Indian all-party parliamentary delegation led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha on Saturday departed Japan for South Korea following their successful and productive visit to the country during which the delegates reaffirmed India's resolute stance of zero tolerance for terrorism post April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.