Facebook responds to Congress’ charge of political bias

Amid raging controversy over Facebooks’ alleged political bias and interference in India’s democratic process, the social media giant has told the Congress that it is non-partisan, denounces hate and bigotry in all forms and strives to ensure that its platforms remain a space where people can express themselves freely.

Responding to concerns raised by the opposition Congress, Facebook’s Public Policy,Trust and Safety Director Neil Potts has said that it has taken the party’s allegation of bias “very seriously” and will ensure that it remain non-partisan and is committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity.

Facebook said it has a team with deep expertise on terrorism and organized hate, who pay attention to global and regional trends and advise on these matters.

The assurance came days after Congress wrote two letters to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg accusing the social media giant’s bias and showing favouritism to the BJP. The Congress made the move after reports by Wall Street Journal and the Time magazine about the conduct of Facebook and WhatsApp India’s leadership team flagged bias and proximity with the ruling BJP.

The Congress accused Facebook of interfering in India’s democratic process and social harmony and being soft on members of the ruling BJP while applying its hate-speech rules.