Facebook India Gets a New Public Policy Head Amid Nation’s Digital Security Concerns

It is a well known fact by now, that Indian government is seeking access to user data from Internet companies like Google and Skype, citing security concerns.

It had also asked social networks like Facebook and Twitter to provide real-time monitoring of its user data, to ensure that national security wasn’t compromised.

To tackle this problem and help the company work with governments, policy makers, and regulators, Facebook India recently sought to hire a head of public policy. The company had said that the person would work closely with its Privacy and Public Policy global team and represent Facebook at appropriate industry associations.

Well, it looks like Facebook has finally found the right person for the job. It has reportedly hired Ankhi Das as its Head of Public Policy for India, according to Business Standard.

The report further says that Ankhi Das will join Facebook on Oct 17 and will lead the social networking giant’s efforts on privacy, data security, and safety issues in India. In addition, she will also promote Facebook’s role in India’s social and economic growth.

Prior to this role, Ankhi Das was working at Microsoft India as its Director of Public Policy, Legal and Corporate Affairs. She was responsible for handling strategic public policy projects and regulatory affairs for the company.

She also has 15+ years experience of handling public policy and regulatory affairs in the technology sector.

Speaking about this specific role, this could be quite a significant addition for the company, considering how the Indian government is going hammer and tongs at Internet companies with its newly formulated Internet control rules (PDF).

Google had previously rejected these rules, explaining that they could hamper its operations and those of other companies in India, since it will potentially become liable for all the questionable content published by third parties.

It will be interesting to see what stand will Facebook take, considering that it has been completely mum on this topic until today.