Facebook policy chief for India Ankhi Das, has reportedly resigned her position after months of escalating pressure from activists. In a statement, Facebook said Das was leaving the company to pursue public service.
Facebook’s managing director for India Ajit Mohan said: “Ankhi was one of our earliest employees in India and played an instrumental role in the growth of the company and its services over the last 9 years. She has been a part of my leadership team over the last 2 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.”
In September, a coalition of human rights groups sent an open letter calling for Das resignation in response to the growing threat of violence.
“Facebook should not be complicit in more offline violence, much less another genocide, but the pattern of inaction displayed by the company is reckless to the point of complicity,” the letter read.
“[We] write to urge you to take decisive action to address Facebook India’s bias and failure to address dangerous content in India.”
The groups also called for Facebook’s internal review of the issue to be conducted out of the company’s California offices, rather than in India where Das might have more influence.
In a farewell note to employees, obtained by TechCrunch, Das praised Facebook and its founder. She wrote: “Thank you, Mark for creating something beautiful for the world. I hope I have served you and the company well.”
