Facebook India announced on Monday that Rajiv Aggarwal, a former IAS officer and former Uber executive, has been named Director of Public Policy.
He takes over from Ankhi Das, who resigned in October of last year. Her opposition to the implementation of hate-speech laws against right-wing figures in the country landed her in hot water.
In this capacity, Aggarwal will create and oversee key policy development projects for Facebook in India, including user safety, data protection and privacy, inclusion, and internet governance, according to a release.
Aggarwal will report to Ajit Mohan, Vice President and Managing Director of Facebook India, and will be a member of the India leadership team in this position, according to the company.
According to the statement, his most recent role was with Uber, where he served as the Head of Public Policy for India and South Asia.
Aggarwal is a 26-year veteran of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) who has served as a District Magistrate in nine districts across Uttar Pradesh.
As Joint Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (M/o Commerce), he oversaw India’s first ever national policy on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and was essential in the digital transformation of India’s IP offices, according to the statement.
In addition to being India’s principal negotiator on IPRs with other countries, he has been actively connected with the India-US bilateral trade conference, according to the statement.
Ajit Mohan, speaking about the appointment, said that Facebook is an ally for India’s exciting economic and social development, in which digital plays a key role.
“We recognise that we are deeply ingrained in India’s fabric and that we have the opportunity to contribute to the development of a more inclusive and secure internet that benefits everyone in the country. I’m ecstatic that Rajiv will be leading the Public Policy team.
“Rajiv will contribute to our mission of building transparency, accountability, empowered, and safe communities, all of which we recognise as our responsibility,” he added.
Aggarwal’s hiring follows a flurry of senior and executive hires in recent months in marketing, alliances, communications, and other critical areas, indicating the company’s growing commitment to India.
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The Chenab Times News Desk