Any attempt to create ‘imperialism of internet’ by few companies unacceptable: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Union Communications and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday told Rajya Sabha that any attempt to create “imperialism of internet” by a few companies would not be tolerated.

Speaking during Question Hour on the banning of Twitter accounts, Prasad said the government welcomes dissent but cannot allow misuse or abuse of social media.

Replying to G C Chandrashekhar (Congress), who raised the issue of climate activist Disha Ravi’s arrest in the ‘toolkit’ document case, Prasad said India is proud to have nearly 140 crore social media users. LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook are free to do business in India. They have empowered ordinary Indians.