‘Killed’ by Meta, CM Siddaramaiah asks tech company to stop translations | India News

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

BENGALURU: In a pretend pas, Meta’s auto-translation device “digitally” killed off Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah whereas translating a condolence message posted by CMO on social media Tuesday. Understandably livid at being referred to as “late” CM, Siddaramaiah informed Meta to droop its Kannada auto-translation function till it learns not to distort info.The condolence message was posted in Kannada on Facebook and Instagram, mourning the dying of veteran actress B Sarojadevi. Meta’s English auto-translation, nonetheless, learn: “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah passed away yesterday multilingual star, senior actress B. Took darshan of Sarojadevi’s earthly body and paid his last respects.”Reacting sharply to the goof-up, Siddaramaiah posted on X: “Faulty auto-translation of Kannada content on Meta platforms is distorting facts and misleading users. This is dangerous when it comes to official communication. My media adviser has formally written to Meta urging immediate correction. Social media platforms must act responsibly. I caution citizens to be aware that translations shown are often inaccurate. Such negligence by tech giants can harm public understanding and trust.”The CMO stated it despatched a mail to Meta, searching for pressing intervention. The CMO additionally urged Meta to hit pause button on Kannada auto-translation till it improved the function additional. It additionally requested the tech company to collaborate with Kannada language consultants and professionals “to enhance contextual accuracy” of translations from Kannada to English”.“We have noted with concern that the auto-translation from Kannada to English is frequently inaccurate and, in some cases, grossly misleading,” wrote Okay V Prabhakar, the CM’s media adviser. Prabhakar cautioned that such bloopers may trigger confusion, particularly after they contain public communication, official statements or necessary messages from the CM or govt. “Many may not realise that what they are reading is an automated translation rather than the original message,” he stated.