Google gets govt notice to resolve Kashmir issue
The government has issued notice to the search engine giant Google for showing parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of Pakistan.
The Centre has warned that if Google does not amend the mistake, action could be taken under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which gives the government the power to block a website or web pages.
“There had been media reports that Google Images had been depicting India’s international boundaries incorrectly. Upon learning this, Union minister of state for communications and IT Sachin Pilot instructed the department of information technology to inquire into the matter and to take necessary steps to ensure that the depiction is made accurate,” said a statement from Mr Pilot’s office. Following this, the IT department issued a notice to Google India on Saturday.
“The map of India available through www.google.com/insights shows certain parts of Jammu and Kashmir as a part of a different country. As per Indian law, wrongful depiction of the Indian map, including the boundaries, is an offence,” said the IT department’s notice to Google. The notice said the mistake gives rise to issues concerning the defence, sovereignty and integrity of India. “M/s Google Inc. intermediary is liable for action under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Further, the pages carrying the wrongful depiction of the Indian map may also attract provisions of Sec. 69A of the Information Technology Act. It is directed to immediately remove the wrong depiction of Indian maps from its website,” said the notice.
Mr Pilot has also directed the IT department to carry out a survey to find out if other websites are providing accurate information about India’s borders.
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