Govt. issues notice to Google over wrong depiction of parts of J-K

NEW DELHI - Taking a serious note of Google India showcasing some part of Jammu and Kashmir incorrectly, the Government has issued notice to the website and directed its department to hold inquiry into the matter.

Following media reports that Google Images was depicting India’s international boundaries incorrectly, the Union Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Sachin Pilot on Thursday (Aug.19) instructed the Department of Information Technology to inquire into the matter and to take necessary steps to ensure that the depiction was made accurate.

The Minister has also directed the Department to carry out a survey to find out if other websites are providing accurate information about India’ borders.

On Aug.20, acting on Mr. Pilot’s directions, the Department of Information Technology issued a notice to Google India under section 69A and section 79 of the Information Technology Act.

The notice by the Department of Information Technology to Google India stated: “The map of India available through www.google.com/insights shows certain parts of Jammu and Kashmir, as a part of different country. As per the Indian law, wrongful depiction of Indian map including the boundaries is an offence.”

“It gives rise to issues concerning defence of India, sovereignty and integrity of India. Ms.Google Inc. intermediary is liable for action under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.”

“Further, the pages carrying the wrongful depiction of Indian map may also attract provisions of section 69 A of the Information Technology Act.”

“It is directed to immediately remove the wrong depiction of Indian maps from its website,” the notice stated. (ANI)