A Gurgaon court has summoned Chinese company Alibaba and its founder Jack Ma in a case filed by a former employee who alleges he was wrongfully fired after objecting to what he saw as censorship and fake news on company apps, documents seen by Reuters showed.
The case comes weeks after India cited security concerns in banning Alibaba’s UC News, UC Browser and 57 other Chinese apps after a clash between the two countries’ forces on their border.
Following the ban, India sought written answers from all affected companies, including whether they censored content or acted for any foreign government.
“We are unwavering in its commitment to the Indian market and the welfare of its local employees, and its policies are in compliance with local laws. We are unable to comment on ongoing litigation,” UC India stated in a statement.
Parmar, who was an employee of the UC Web office in Gurugram until October 2017, is seeking $268,000 in damages, according to court documents.
This development comes after India banned 59 Chinese apps including UC News, UC Browser amidst border tensions between the two countries.
In an order issued under section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009, the Ministry of Information Technology said it has decided to block 59 apps in view of the emergent nature of threats.
In view of the information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order, the order said.
The Indian government has also sought written answers from all affected companies on whether they censored content or or acted for any foreign government.
