Indian government requests for Facebook data rose 62% in 2017
New Delhi, May 16: Facebook has recorded massive increase in the total number of Indian government requests for data over the past one year -- a rise of nearly 62 per cent in 2017 compared to the global average of 30 per cent.
In its transparency report released on Tuesday, Facebook said that it received a total of 22,024 requests from India in 2017 compared to 13,613 in 2016 - a rise of 61.7 per cent.
Facebook provided data for about half of the requests.
The total number of government requests for data the social network received from around the world in 2017 was 161,231 as compared to 123,508 -- an increase of 30.5 per cent.
Government requests for account data increased globally by around four percent compared to the first half of 2017, increasing from 78,890 to 82,341 requests.
In the US, government requests remained roughly even at 32,742 in the second half of 2017, Facebook said in its report.
Facebook said it responds to government requests for data in accordance with applicable law and is terms of service.
The social networking major also accepts government requests to preserve account information pending receipt of formal legal process.
"When we receive a preservation request, we will preserve a temporary snapshot of the relevant account information but will not disclose any of the preserved records unless and until we receive formal and valid legal process," Facebook said.
The Facebook report also showed an increase in the number of posts identified as containing graphic violence in the first of quarter of 2018.
"Of every 10,000 content views, an estimate of 22 to 27 contained graphic violence, compared to an estimate of 16 to 19 last quarter," Xinhua quoted the report as saying.
It said the growth was a possible result of a higher volume of graphic violence content shared on Facebook in the first three months of this year.
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Use Carnatic music to promote Kannada language: Nirmala Sitharaman
Mysuru (Karnataka), Nov 8: Kannada language through 'bhakti sangeetha' touches the core of the heart directly, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said here on Friday.
Sitharaman was speaking at Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha Festival being organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Sangeet Natak Akademi to showcase Karnataka’s musical and cultural heritage.
The festival, which was inaugurated on November 8 will be held till November 10.
Sitharaman during her keynote address said Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha should aim not just promoting Dasa Keerthana or Carnatic music, but should also use the platform to promote Kannada language.
"I understand a lot of emphasis is placed on Carnatic music, on the GI (geographical indication) items from around this area. But personally, I strongly believe Kannada language, through bhakti sangeetha, is something which touches the core of one's heart directly," said Sitharaman, urging the organisers to use that to promote Kannada.
She also said Mysuru is the right place for the Sangeetha Sugandha festival, for it is not only home to many stalwarts of Carnatic music but even one of its royal family members – the last ruling Maharaja of Mysuru Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar – was an ardent musician, who has composed a lot of songs.
But she said the state government should make all the efforts possible to ensure the festival reaches many outside Karnataka digitally.
"If we can build through word of mouth, through media, through our contacts so that all Kannadigas, wherever they live, link through digital mode and enjoy the beauty of this language and the beauty of this sangeetha,” added Sitharaman.
She also said the Central government too has put in a lot of thought in preparing for the event.
"That is why the events are also going to be held in many places, including the National Gallery of Modern Art in Bengaluru, where a Carnatic vocalist will be singing," said Sitharaman.
According to her it is also going to be held in Aparameya Swamy temple in Doddamalluru of Ramanagara district, Sri Rama Mandira in Rudrapatna of Hassan district and even in Araga of Shimoga district, the birthplace of Purandara Dasa, considered the father of Carnatic music.
Sitharaman also said in future many events are being planned around Karnataka Rajyotsava.
"From here on, every year on the first weekend in November – Friday, Saturday, Sunday – this festival for promoting Mysuru, Kannada and sangeetha will be undertaken on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture," she said.
She urged people to come and support these efforts as they have always had.
"The artists do not need anything more than the recognition, which you, as a city of culture, have always had. I appeal to you to keep that momentum up. Support these artists. Promote Karnataka, promote Carnatic music and promote the sweet Kannada language," added the finance minister.
Earlier, a man had interrupted the event to make a request to Sitharaman.
He walked up to the stage where Sitharaman was seated and insisted that 'guarantees' should not be announced in the poll-bound Maharashtra. He was escorted out of the auditorium and the programme continued.
The event was also attended by Karnataka Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa, Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadutta Wodeyar.
Smt @nsitharaman addresses the audience at the inauguration of 'Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha 2024' Festival in Mysuru, Karnataka.
— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) November 8, 2024
Also present on the occasion are Shri Suresh Gopi (@TheSureshGopi), Hon'ble Minister of State for Tourism & Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Yaduveer… pic.twitter.com/fgGTTUa2KE
