Ahead of Meta’s AGM, civil societies in India jointly urge shareholders to vote ‘yes’ on proposal 7
All you need to know about proposal 7
New Delhi: Ekō, ICWI, and IFF, leading civil society organizations, have jointly launched a campaign to raise awareness among Meta shareholders and users regarding Proposal 7, a critical matter that addresses how Meta handles content regulation in India. The upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and other popular platforms, is scheduled to take place on May 31.
The proposal highlights the alarming role played by Meta's platforms in disseminating hate speech, fostering divisions, and instigating real-world violence, which have profound implications for Indian society. It aims to address the need for Meta to prioritize the removal of divisive content over potential business interests, thus ensuring a safer online environment.
Glass Lewis, a leading advisory service managing over 40 trillion in assets, has recommended that shareholders vote 'Yes' on Proposal 7. With their expertise in Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG), Glass Lewis provides institutional investors with valuable guidance on resolutions in approximately 100 global markets.
Instances like the 2020 Delhi riots, where Facebook faced allegations of hate speech fueling violence, underscore the significance of this proposal. Meta's response to divisive content has been consistently disappointing, with concerns raised over its prioritization of business interests over the removal of hate speech. Reports have also suggested that Meta may have allowed political parties to promote surrogate advertisements, further compromising the platform's integrity.
Apar Gupta, Founding Director of IFF, expressed disappointment in Meta's failure to fulfill its obligations to both shareholders and the Indian republic. He stressed the weight of social responsibility on Meta, particularly in its largest market, where its platforms are widely used by most Indians with internet connections.
Teesta Setalvad, senior activist and participant in Meta's Human Rights Impact Assessment, expressed concern over the biased algorithms and lack of transparency in India's assessment. She emphasized the need for a fair evaluation of political biases, content management capabilities, and mechanisms to combat hate speech and disinformation.
To address these concerns, Ekō has proposed a non-partisan assessment of the allegations, demanding that Meta disclose the results in a report to investors. However, Meta's Board of Directors has recommended shareholders vote against the proposal, citing security risks for Meta's employees as their justification for limited disclosure.
To advocate for a better Meta and prevent the misuse of platforms for divisive agendas, civil society organizations including IFF will be highlighting instances where Meta has failed to effectively address critical issues. The campaign, running from May 26 until the day of the meeting, will use the hashtag #VoteYesonProposal7 on social media to encourage shareholders to vote in favor of the proposal.
About Ekō:
Ekō is a global community committed to curbing the growing power of corporations by supporting companies that respect the environment, treat their workers well, and uphold democracy.
About ICWI:
ICWI is a non-sectarian left diasporic membership-based organization that represents the diversity of India's people and advocates for radical democracy in India.
About IFF:
IFF is a digital rights advocacy organization registered as a public charitable trust. It works to ensure that technology respects and advances the fundamental rights of internet users in India, focusing on issues such as free speech, electronic surveillance, data protection, net neutrality, and innovation.
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KPTCL sets target to complete Kadandale 400 kV power substation project by July 15
Mangaluru (Karnataka) (PTI): The KPTCL has set a target to complete the strategically important Kadandale 400 kV power substation project by July 15, aiming to ensure uninterrupted and quality power supply to the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, officials said on Wednesday.
The target has been fixed by the KPTCL (Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited) following the directions of State Energy Minister K J George, they said.
The project, located at Kadandale village in Moodbidri taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, had remained stalled for nearly three years due to land-related litigation affecting the 400 kV transmission line works, officials said.
However, the hurdles were successfully resolved through the sustained efforts of Energy Minister George and Energy Department Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, they said.
Following the minister's directions, KPTCL Managing Director Ram Prasath Manohar visited the project site on Wednesday to review the progress of the works, according to an official statement.
"Mangaluru is one of Karnataka's key industrial hubs and requires a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. As directed by the Hon'ble Minister, we are working towards completing the project before the onset of the monsoon and commencing transmission operations at the earliest," Manohar said.
According to officials, the Kadandale 400 kV substation is expected to significantly strengthen the power infrastructure of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, which are major industrial and commercial regions of the state.
Manohar said the project would provide a long-term solution to recurring monsoon-related voltage fluctuations and low-voltage issues in the coastal belt.
"The new substation will improve grid stability and ensure quality power supply to the region. In the event of a technical fault in any one station, load can be quickly diverted through this substation, enabling faster restoration of electricity supply," he explained.
To expedite completion of the project, KPTCL has planned to obtain line clearance on the existing 400 kV UPCL-Hebbanahalli transmission corridor between May 6 and May 24, 2026, the statement said.
During this period, alternative arrangements have been made to manage transmission loads and maintain supply based on demand conditions, it said.
However, officials stated that short-duration load shedding may become unavoidable under technically exigent situations.
"This project is crucial for the long-term energy security of Mangaluru and the coastal region. We request consumers and the public to extend their cooperation during this temporary operational phase," the KPTCL MD stated.
Minister George said that ensuring uninterrupted power supply for the benefit of the public and the industrial growth of the coastal region is one of the government's top priorities.
"Due to certain legal hurdles, the 400 kV transmission line work was delayed. The department has taken special initiative to resolve these obstacles. The Kadandale substation will ensure high-quality power supply for Mangaluru and Udupi regions," he said.
"The department continuously monitored the land-related disputes affecting the project and ensured timely resolution through coordinated intervention. KPTCL has been instructed to complete the works within the stipulated timeline and dedicate the project to public service at the earliest," Gupta stated.
