After Siddaramaiah flags faulty Kannada translation, Meta issues apology
Bengaluru, July 18 — Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has issued an apology after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the platform for a misleading Kannada translation. The auto-translation feature on Facebook changed the original meaning, leading to public backlash.
The Chief Minister described the error as disrespectful. He said such mistakes show a lack of sensitivity toward regional languages. His comments quickly gained attention across Karnataka and beyond.
“Kannada is not just a way of communication. It represents our culture and identity. Distorting it is unacceptable,” Siddaramaiah stated.
Meta Responds with Apology
Meta acknowledged the mistake and responded with a public statement. The company said its system created the faulty translation using artificial intelligence. It expressed regret over the outcome and assured that it would take corrective steps.
“We’re sorry for the mistake. Our team is reviewing the translation system. We want to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” said a Meta spokesperson.
Meta also said it would consult Kannada language experts. Their goal is to train the system to handle regional languages with more accuracy.
Why These Mistakes Happen
India has 22 official languages and many more dialects. Global platforms often struggle to represent this linguistic diversity. Translation engines usually work well in English and a few major languages. But for regional languages like Kannada, the system lacks enough quality data.
Dr. Rajeshwari Hegde, a linguistics professor in Bengaluru, explained the issue.
“AI tools depend on data. If there’s not enough accurate input in a language, the output becomes flawed. Machines don’t understand cultural context,” she said.
This gap leads to awkward or even offensive translations. It can also affect how people view these platforms and their commitment to local communities.
Not the First Time
This isn’t Meta’s first brush with language controversy. In past years, Google Maps mistranslated a Hindi phrase, causing confusion. Twitter also deleted posts written in regional languages, sparking criticism.
Many users believe this shows a larger problem. Regional languages often receive less attention in digital development. As more Indians go online in their native languages, this gap becomes more visible.
Public Reactions: Hashtags and Anger
After Siddaramaiah’s post, social media users reacted quickly. Hashtags like #RespectKannada, #FixMetaTranslation, and #KannadaMatters trended across platforms. Many accused Meta of neglecting non-English speaking users.
Writers, poets, and activists joined the conversation. Vasundhara T., a Kannada author, said in a tweet, “This is more than a technical error. It reflects where our language stands in the eyes of big tech.”
Siddaramaiah Demands Better Regulation
The Chief Minister didn’t stop with his criticism. He also urged the Indian government to step in. He called for digital rules that protect the dignity of regional languages.
“Tech companies need to work with local experts. We need clear rules to avoid such incidents in the future,” he said.
Experts supported his call. Some suggested that platforms should follow a language accuracy policy, especially when operating in a country as diverse as India.
What Meta Plans to Do Next
Meta promised to improve its Kannada translation system. It said it will involve native speakers in its training process. The company also plans to expand its local moderation team.
“We’ll continue working with language scholars. Accurate translation and respect for local culture are our priorities,” the company added.
They also plan to review other Indian languages used on their platform. This move is seen as an effort to rebuild trust with regional users.
A Larger Issue: Tech Needs to Respect Culture
This controversy highlights a key truth. Technology must evolve with sensitivity to local cultures. In India, where millions rely on digital tools in regional languages, this is not optional.
Kiran Gowda, a software developer in Bengaluru, summed it up best. “When platforms ignore local languages, they ignore people. Apologies are welcome, but long-term commitment matters more.”
Conclusion
The incident between Meta and Siddaramaiah isn’t just about a single translation. It’s about how global platforms treat local identities. As India’s digital usage grows, so must respect for its languages. Only then can platforms claim they truly serve all users.
