The Karnataka High Court has issued a stern warning to Facebook, now known as Meta, regarding its operations in India. The Court warned that the company may be ordered to cease its operations in the country if it fails to cooperate with a police investigation concerning a fraudulent profile.
Facebook User Incarcerated in Saudi Arabia
The case involves an Indian man named Shailesh Kumar who is currently incarcerated in Saudi Arabia due to a controversial Facebook post. The post was derogatory towards both the ruler of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic faith. Kumar’s wife, Kavita, reported to local police that the offensive messages were posted on a fake profile impersonating her husband.
A Plea for Action
In 2021, Kavita filed a petition with the High Court after police were unable to investigate the false profile effectively. The case was presented before Justice Krishna S. Dixit on Wednesday. In response to the High Court’s warning, the legal counsel for Facebook requested one week to provide the required details. The High Court has ordered Facebook to provide a comprehensive report on the incident, along with details about email interactions, by June 22.
Government Ordered to Provide Information
On May 29, 2023, Facebook’s parent company, Meta, was added to the petition. In addition to its directives to Facebook, the High Court has also ordered the Central Government to provide information about measures taken to ensure the safety of Indian nationals incarcerated in foreign prisons.
Summary:
- The Karnataka High Court has warned Facebook (Meta) that it may be required to shut down operations in India if it does not cooperate with a police investigation into a fraudulent profile.
- The case involves an Indian man, Shailesh Kumar, who is in jail in Saudi Arabia due to a derogatory Facebook post made from a fake profile impersonating him.
- Facebook has been directed to provide a detailed report on the incident by June 22.
- The Central Government has been asked to detail the steps taken to ensure the safety of Indian nationals in foreign prisons.
