The parliamentary panel on information technology, headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor,  has conveyed a stern message to Facebook that the company representatives will have to physically appear in front of the panel notwithstanding what Facebook company policies say. This has been said days after the panel met Twitter representatives and reminded them that the microblogging platform has to abide by the laws of the land in order to operate in India.

Facebook had proposed an online meeting with the parliamentary panel which has been rejected. The parliamentary panel has said enough time will be given to Facebook representatives to complete their vaccination but the meeting will be held in person.

The date of the meeting has not been finalised as yet, IBNS said. 

All other social media and web platforms like Google, YouTube and others will have to send their representatives for face-to-face meetings with the panel, the ANI report informed.

Facebook said the company has stopped in-person meetings as the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic is still continuing, the report added.

"Taking cognisance of Facebook's reply, now the chairman of the committee sought the list of Facebook officials whom the company wants to send before the committee. The chairman said the committee will provide Covid vaccination to such officials and will also give enough time to come before the committee," sources told ANI news agency.(SAM)