LUCKNOW/HYDERABAD: Social networking website Orkut has downloaded controversy again. After Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati ordered the police to investigate the creation of a fake profile on the website, Orkut’s owner Google deleted the post.
"We have been getting several complaints about the matter posted regarding our chief minister on Orkut. We are conducting a thorough inquiry into the matter. Action will be taken against those responsible for this mischief," Home Secretary Javed Ahmed told reporters on Tuesday.
Said an official of the chief minister’s secretariat: "Besides carrying her brief biographical account, the website was loaded with objectionable matter about the chief minister, and that, too, in highly unparliamentary language."
"It is a completely unexplored area for us," Special Task Force’s Amitabh Yash said. "We will have to look into the legal aspect as to how, and under which sections, we could take action against people making such comments against the chief minister."
Meanwhile, Google has removed the ‘offensive’ post from Orkut. The company put out a statement on Tuesday, saying: “Google is dedicated to offering the best possible experience on Orkut. We take violation of Orkut’s policy very seriously, as such activities diminish the experience for our users.
“When we learn about illegal or inappropriate content, we act quickly to remove it… the fake profile of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati violated Orkut’s policy on impersonation and, therefore, it has been removed."
A company spokesman told DNA: "We do not monitor Orkut content very regularly as it is a platform for expression of opinion, but we certainly take note of such cases."
Cyberlaw experts say the government should take steps to prevent misuse of networking platforms.
"These excesses on social networking sites are not covered under Information Technology Act," Pawan Duggal, a legal expert, said.
—With inputs from agencies
