Twitter blocks Jazzy B, few other accounts
This was in compliance with the new IT rules of the Indian government
image for illustrative purpose
New Delhi: AMID the row over delay in complying with the new IT (intermediary) rules, Twitter has restricted four accounts in India -- including that of Punjabi rapper-songwriter Jazzy B -- in compliance with the legal request made by the Indian government, according to data from the US-based collaborative archive Lumen Database.
"@jazzyb's account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand," read the message on the singer's account.
The Indian-Canadian singer visited the Singhu border in December to support farmers protesting against the new farm laws.
Jazzy B has also been supporting the farmers through his social media platforms and posted several updates about the protests on Twitter.
Twitter has taken action on four accounts that also includes hip-hop artist L-Fresh the Lion.
The accounts have been "geo-restricted" which means people outside of India can still access the accounts.
In a statement, a Twitter spokesperson told IANS that when it receives a valid legal request, it reviews it under both the Twitter Rules and local law.
"If the content violates Twitter's Rules, the content will be removed from the service. In all cases, we notify the account holder directly so they're aware that we've received a legal order pertaining to the account," the spokesperson said.
Ahead of withholding the content, Twitter had notified the account holders so that they're aware that the action has been taken in response to a legal request from the government of India.
Earlier on Monday, amid the ongoing tussle with the IT Ministry over compliance with the new IT rules, Twitter said it has been and remains deeply committed to India, and serving the vital public conversation taking place on the service.
