Release records related to anti-Rohingya violence in Myanmar, US court orders Facebook

A federal judge in the US has directed the Facebook to hand over records related to deleted accounts, which were linked to the anti-Rohingya violence in Myanmar, a report by news agency Reuters said on Thursday. These accounts were shut down in 2018.

Watch:

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Social media platform Facebook has been criticised by the judge in Washington DC for failing to provide critical data to investigators, who are seeking to prosecute the country for international crimes against the Muslim minority Rohingya.

It also rejected the firm’s arguments of protecting privacy as “rich with irony”.

Also Read:Myanmar town near India border sees exodus as thousands flee fighting

In the ruling, the judge said, "Facebook taking up the mantle of privacy rights is rich with irony. News sites have entire sections dedicated to Facebook's sordid history of privacy scandals."

Citing a US law, which bars electronic communications companies from disclosing user information, Facebook has been refusing to release the data required in this case.

Also Read:'Shooting' at US army base was an 'exercise,' no casualties: Official

The judge has ruled since the accounts were deleted, they would not be covered under the law and not sharing the content would "compound the tragedy that has befallen the Rohingya".

(With inputs from agencies)