According to sources, the Centre has asked Twitter and YouTube to remove links to a BBC documentary about Prime Minister Modi.

According to sources with knowledge of the matter, Twitter and YouTube have been asked to take down links sharing the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Centre has reportedly alleged that the documentary is biased and defamatory.

 Sources say that Twitter and YouTube have not yet taken down the links, but are considering doing so.

Centre asks Twitter, YouTube to take down links sharing BBC documentary on PM Modi

The Centre has asked Twitter and YouTube to take down links sharing a BBC documentary, alleging that it violates the terms of service of the platforms. The documentary, "PM Modi: A Time for Truth", allegedly makes false allegations against the Prime Minister.

According to sources, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has written to Twitter and YouTube demanding that they remove all links to the documentary. The letter alleges that some of the allegations made in the documentary are false and violate the terms of service of both platforms.

The BBC has denied any wrongdoing and said that it is working with authorities to find those responsible for streaming the document online without permission.

Twitter declined to comment on whether it had received a request from MIB but said it works vigilantly to ensure that its platform is used safely and responsibly. "We take reports of violations of our terms very seriously," a spokesperson said in an email.

In a letter reportedly sent to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki ,  MIB requests that all links leading to an online copy of "PM Modi: A Time for Truth" be removed from both platforms as soon as possible. Alleged violations include making false assertions about PM Modi's character and conduct, which could damage his reputation among Indians.

According to sources close to MIB, some of these allegations have already been debunked by independent journalism outlets; though this does not appear to have dissuaded officials from their demand for takedowns

Sources say Centre fears the documentary could incite violence against the Prime Minister

According to sources, the Centre fears that the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Modi could incite violence against him. The documentary, which is set to be aired in India later this month, has already been shared on social media platforms with sections of the population calling for protests and even assassination attempts against the PM. A source close to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that they had asked Twitter and YouTube to remove links to it as soon as they were made aware of it. Speaking to reporters, a spokesperson for Twitter said that they have received a request from the Indian government but haven't been able to verify if any specific links have been taken down yet. They added that they will take down any links that violate their terms of service. Meanwhile, a YouTube spokesperson said that they didn't receive any requests from India regarding this specific documentary but are always open to working with governments and organisations in order to make sure their content is available in an appropriate manner.

Twitter and YouTube have not responded to the Centre's request as of yet

As per sources with knowledge of the matter, the Centre has sent letters to both Twitter and YouTube asking that they take down links sharing an upcoming BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The documentary, which is set to air later this month, allegedly contains footage that is not sanctioned by the government. The Centre reportedly fears that it could hurt Modi's image. Twitter and YouTube have not responded to the Centre's request as of yet.

The Centre has asked television networks too to telecast the documentary only after it is cleared by the government censor board

According to sources close to the Centre, the government has asked television networks too to telecast the documentary only after it is cleared by the government censor board. The documentary, which is yet to be broadcast, allegedly deals with PM Modi's alleged links with billionaire businessman Vijay Mallya . Sources said that the Centre was worried about its image being dragged down by the controversy and wants to avoid any adverse fallout. "We have not cleared the documentary yet and hence it cannot be aired," a source said.

The BBC has denied that its documentary was responsible for the violence in Gujarat

The BBC has denied that its documentary was responsible for the violence in Gujarat. However, sources close to the investigation say that it is clear that the documentary was a factor in inciting anger and leading to some of the most violent incidents.

BBC Worldwide told the Guardian that they had no evidence to suggest their documentary was responsible for any of the violence. They added that it "should not have been aired" because "it did not meet our editorial guidelines". However, sources close to the investigation say that this is not true - they allege that senior BBC executives knew about and approved of its content before it went out on air.

Twitter and YouTube have so far refused to take down links sharing the documentary, despite requests from authorities in India. This has led to criticism from those who argue that these platforms are helping to spread misinformation.

Some believe that this unwillingness by social media companies to remove links could be a sign of their support for free speech. Others say that it is irresponsible for these platforms not to act when allegations of this kind are made.

Conclusion

According to sources, the Centre has asked Twitter and YouTube to take down links sharing a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The documentary, titled "PM Modi: A Political Biography", is said to be critical of Mr Modi's time as Gujarat chief minister. The Centre reportedly fear that the documentary could disturb electoral process in India.