Facebook's Public Policy Director, India, South, and Central Asia, Ankhi Das, quit the social media giant months after reports suggested that she interfered with its content moderation policies. She is believed to have shown favoritism to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and belittled the opposition.
Facebook, however, denied the accusations and matched the move to career progression. Ajit Mohan, the Managing Director of Facebook said in a statement, "Ankhi has decided to step down from her role in Facebook to pursue her interest in public service."
Das has been associated with Facebook for over nine years and has played an instrumental role in its growth, said Mohan. "She has been a part of my leadership team over the last two years, a role in which she has made enormous contributions. We are grateful for her service and wish her the very best for the future," he added.
On October 23, Das appeared before a panel on the issue of data security, where she was asked some tough questions.
Here is what Das posted as her move out of Facebook:
"I have decided to step down from Facebook after long service to its mission of connecting people and building communities to pursue my personal interest in public service.
When I joined Facebook in 2011, internet growth in the country was woefully low, and I often wondered how social and economic asymmetries will be addressed. We were a small unlisted startup back then guided only by our mission and purpose to connect people in India. After nine long years, I feel that mission has largely been met. There is an enormous amount I have learnt from incredibly smart and talented people in the company, particularly from people on the policy team. This is a special company and a special group of people.
Thank you, Mark, for creating something beautiful for the world. I hope I have served you and the company well.
I know we will be in touch on Facebook.”
First Published: Oct 27, 2020 6:57 PM IST
