The Delhi High Court has ordered the social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to remove all the URLs, tweets, weblinks, comments and videos that contain jokes and fake news about kurkure containing plastic in a case filed by the soft drink giant, Pepsico against them.
Pepsico had requested the removal of Facebook links, Facebook posts, Instagram links, tweets, comments and YouTube videos that suggested ‘kurkure contains plastic’ as being defamatory and false in nature. The company had demanded Rs 2.10 crore in damages stating that such news was damaging the good reputation of its brand as well as the company.
The company in its petition had stated that “Kurkure, like any other snack made from rice and papad will burn.” The company had also stated that it has taken a number of proactive steps including public tours of factories to make people aware of the making of kurkure and to stop the circulation of rumors.
The Court has further clarified that since social media platforms are not fully liable when it comes to regulating offensive or false content, it is the responsibility of the company to notify the social media platforms when such content is published on such platforms. In a first of its kinds case, the Delhi High Court has issued a John Doe order to social media companies to take down posts that allege Kurkure has plastic.