CBI Begins Probe Into Facebook Data Theft By Cambridge Analytica

The latest development comes 10 days after the Centre ordered a probe into the data breach scandal.

The CBI has initiated probe into data theft of Indians from Facebook by British firms Cambridge Analytica and Global Science Research.

(Photo: The Quint)

A little over ten days after the Centre ordered a probe into the Cambridge Analytica data breach scandal, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) started preliminary enquiry.

On Wednesday, 8 August, the investigating agency initiated probe into the data theft of Indians from Facebook by British firms – Cambridge Analytica and Global Science Research.

Earlier on 26 July, the Centre had announced that it has ordered a probe into the data breach scandal.

Centre Orders Probe

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had informed that the data breach case will be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Shankar had also revealed that Cambride Analytica did not respond to the multiple notices that were sent by the government.

Therefore, it is suspected that Cambridge Analytica may have been involved in illegally obtaining data of Indians which could be misused. The government has entrusted this issue to be investigated by the CBI for possible violation of Information Technology Act, 2000 and IPC.

Ravi Shankar Prasad

The Centre served a second set of notices to the firm and Facebook on 25 April this year over the data breach scandal.

Govt Assures Steps to Tackle Fake News

After Rajya Sabha members expressed concern over social media platforms being used to spread rumours and fake news, Prasad said that the government has asked them to provide technological solutions so that verified fake news and provocative messages can be filtered.

He also stated that WhatsApp has ensured that it will introduce fact-checking and fake news verification mechanisms to help people check the veracity of content on the platform.

Earlier, members including Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad had raised serious concern over the incidents relating to abuse of social media leading to mob lynchings, with some of them even accusing the government of inaction.

In his response, Prasad said,

These (incidents) are deeply painful and regrettable, as well as a matter of deep concern for the Government. The Government has taken prompt action.

Ravi Shankar Prasad, IT Minister

Observing that the government does not regulate content appearing on social networking platforms, Prasad said these platforms however are required to follow due diligence in accordance with the Information Technology Act and the Rules.

The social networking platforms have to follow Article 19(2) of the Constitution and ensure that their platforms are not used to commit and provoke terrorism, extremism, violence and crime.

Ravi Shankar Prasad, IT Minister

Prasad further added that the government was taking steps to increase awareness among the citizens to become adept in noticing fake news and avoid becoming a party to their viral circulation.

(With inputs from PTI.)