
ANI Omits US Govt Reference To Internet Blackout In Story On Farm Laws
The statement said that the US supported India's steps for market efficiency "in general", and addressed internet shutdowns.

News wire agency Asia News International [ANI] misrepresented a statement by the US government on Wednesday that said "in general" it supported India's farm laws but also recognised that 'access to information, including the internet, was fundamental to the freedom of expression and a hallmark of a thriving democracy'.
On the new farm laws, the statement said the following: "In general, the United States welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment."
Not to be lost in this, State Dept broadly appears to back India's agricultural reforms amid #FarmersProtests: "In general, the United States welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment." https://t.co/phU9UVHR9n
— Sabrina Siddiqui (@SabrinaSiddiqui) February 3, 2021
The statement by a US State Department spokesperson is as follows. BOOM was able to independently verify it with the State Department.
We recognize that peaceful protests are a hallmark of any thriving democracy, and note that the Indian Supreme Court has stated the same.
We encourage that any differences between the parties be resolved through dialogue.
In general, the United States welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment.
We recognize that unhindered access to information, including the internet, is fundamental to the freedom of expression and a hallmark of a thriving democracy.
Also Read: Democracy Index 2020: India Down 2 Spots, Cites Civil Liberty Decline
What did ANI report?
The news outlet's tweet and article on the statement has no mention of the last point in the brief statement which addressed internet and access to information, referring to the internet blackouts in the areas where the farmer protests are concentrated.We recognize peaceful protests as hallmark of thriving democracy,&Indian SC has stated same. We encourage differences b/w parties be resolved through dialogue. US welcomes steps that would improve efficiency of India's markets&attract more pvt sector investment:US State Dept Spox
— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2021
A snippet of ANI's article that quotes from the statement can be seen below.
The quote, "we recognize that unhindered access to information, including the internet, is fundamental to the freedom of expression and a hallmark of a thriving democracy," which is included in the WSJ reporter's tweet is not a part of ANI's article.
The article, however, mentioned the other three points - recognised peaceful protests as part of democracy, called for dialogue and, in general, welcomed any steps that India took towards making its markets more efficient and encouraged privatisation.
The Economic Times and Business Standard have republished ANI's article.
Just in | U.S. Embassy in #Delhi spokesperson on #Farmersprotests in #India, also calls for "unhindered access" to internet as a fundamental freedom.
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) February 4, 2021
The spokesperson says the US "in general" supports market reforms.
- via @suhasinih
BOOM has updated this story with a reply from the US Department of State.
Updated On: 2021-02-04T17:53:20+05:30
If you value our work, we have an ask: Our journalists work with TruthSeekers like you to publish fact-checks, explainers, ground reports and media literacy content. Much of this work involves using investigative methods and forensic tools. Our work is resource-intensive, and we rely on our readers to fund our work. Support us so we can continue our work of decluttering the information landscape. BECOME A MEMBER
📧 Subscribe to our newsletter here. 📣You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Linkedin and Google News 📝Stay updated with all our latest fact check stories.
Next Story