Geotagging manipulation is a very serious threat and disrespect towards the sovereignty of a country. A very important matter regarding the map representation in Twitter which involves Leh, headquarters of the Union Territory of Ladakh has come up this week. Twitter has caused map misrepresentation of Leh showing its location in China. India has warned Twitter with very strong disapproval as it insults the integrity of a nation. Twitter has received heavy criticism from Indian people which it might have seen coming. Social media users have raised a very strong voice against this map manipulation. The question of this act whether it was a genuine mistake of the location setting or done purposely is secondary. Since the relationship between India and China has already got on the wrong foot; this is the worst time to commit a blunder like this by a major-micro blogging platform.
India’s response to this map misrepresentation
India has sent a letter to Twitter where Ajay Sawhney, Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has asked the CEO of Twitter, Jack Dorsey to respect the sensitivities. A small yet such an intense mistake can cost both the nation and its people. This act of Twitter can be seen as triggering a sleeping volcano. The geotagging feature of Twitter displayed “Jammu & Kashmir, People’s Republic of China” in a live broadcast. It was taking part in Leh’s Hall of Fame, a war memorial to respect the soldiers of Union Territory of Ladakh those who sacrificed their life. A war memorial is a very sensitive and respectful place of a nation where people pay homage to the fallen soldiers. Showing that this part of India belongs to the People’s Republic of China is disrespecting the entire foundation of the country.
Image Source: cbsnews.com
The angry netizens have heavily insulted Twitter and they demand strict action in response to such an audacious act. On the other hand, Twitter has accepted that it was a technical issue from their side and that it has been resolved. But, the degree of damage it has already caused by wrong geotagging in a live broadcast is immeasurable. The entire world has witnessed a map misrepresentation which is enough to build theories and wage a war on social media and outside.
A warning to Twitter
The letter that was sent to Twitter by Mr. Sawhney on behalf of India clearly mentioned that any sign or attempt to disrespect the sovereignty and integrity of India will not only result in dispute but also questioning the neutrality and fairness of this micro-blogging platform. Even if it was a technical glitch from Twitter’s side, they should be extra cautious and take proper measures to prevent such “mistakes”. The damage it has caused to the reputation of Twitter will also take days to mend. Apart from the gentle warning, India has also reminded Twitter that Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir are integral and inalienable parts of India, governed by the Indian Constitution. In response to this mail, Twitter has immediately mailed back saying “Twitter is committed to working with the Government of India. We respect the sensitivities involved and have dully acknowledged the letter.”
Was it just a glitch?
Nitin Gokhale, National Security Analyst has pointed out the anomaly in the first place which was followed by sending out a warning to Twitter. Moreover, this is not the first time a nation is facing difficulties due to the technical glitches of Twitter. So, it is high time that the platform fixes all the platform before any other nation is hurt. Gokhale said that he went live on Twitter to share his journey to Ladakh from Himachal Pradesh and after the broadcast was ended, he saw the location of Leh showing as a part of China. First, he thought if it was an isolated incident or a glitch so he conducted another experimental live broadcast and the same thing happened yet again. So, has it been a technical glitch, why was a part of India was constantly showing as a part of another nation? Twitter in response to this issue said that investigation teams are trying to resolve the matter as it seems to be a geotagging issue.
Annasha Dey is an NIT student, who apart from studying engineering is also a content writer. She has a great interest in photography, writing, reading novels, and travelling as well. She is a foodie who loves socializing and hanging out with her friends. She is also a trained Kathak dancer and a big fashion enthusiast. Dey also loves watching TV series, which includes F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory. To be a better writer she prefers to read more