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TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee files complaint with Meta over ‘removal of AITC from Facebook bio, unauthorised access of account’

Banerjee's legal team has requested an acknowledgment of the 'harm caused to his reputation' due to the alleged breach, along with an unconditional apology within seven days

abhishek banerjee, facebook page, breach, tmc,

Abhishek Banerjee's legal team has requested an acknowledgment of the “harm caused to his reputation” due to the alleged breach, along with an unconditional apology within seven days. (Express File Photo)

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee has filed a formal complaint with Meta (formerly Facebook) regarding an alleged unauthorised breach of his official Facebook page.

The issue came to light on February 11, when Banerjee’s supporters noticed a change in the bio section of his page. The term “All India Trinamool Congress” had been removed, leaving only “The Official page of Abhishek Banerjee I Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha)”. Upon verification, Banerjee said that the alteration had occurred without his consent.

In a letter to Meta, Banerjee’s lawyer, Sanjay Basu, wrote, “At present, approximately 2.2 million people follow my client’s Facebook page.”

“The unauthorised alteration made to my client’s Facebook profile is both harmful and misleading as it tends to misrepresent my client’s political views. (It) has caused significant damage to my client’s reputation and has negatively influenced public perception about my client, especially among his wide support space,” the complaint continues.

Additionally, Banerjee’s legal team has requested an acknowledgment of the “harm caused to his reputation” due to the alleged breach, along with an unconditional apology within seven days.

Basu demanded an explanation from Meta on how it would prevent future unauthorised access, particularly for verified accounts. “I, on behalf of my client, do hereby call upon you to initiate a prompt and thorough investigation into how this breach occurred, including identifying the persons responsible for accessing my client’s account without authorisation,” the letter concludes.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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