NEW DELHI: Without directly naming the visit by Delhi Police to its offices, however in an oblique reference, Twitter Inc said on Thursday that it was worried about the safety of its employees in India and the potential threat to freedom of expression.

Twitter in a statement said, "Concerned by recent events regarding our employees in India & potential threat to freedom of expression for people we serve. We've concerns with regards to intimidation police's tactics in response to enforcement of global Terms of Service & core elements of new IT Rules."

Referring to the new IT rules that came into effect from May 26, Twitter also said that it will strive to comply with applicable laws in India and continue constructive dialogue with the government. 

"But, just as we do around the world, we will continue to be strictly guided by principles of transparency, a commitment to empowering every voice on the service, and protecting freedom of expression and privacy under the rule of law," Twitter said in its statement.

The microblogging site has urged the technology ministry to give it three more months to comply with the new content regulation rules, which include the appointment of an Indian grievance officer to deal with complaints. The new rules announced on February 25, require large social media platforms, defined as those with over 50 lakh users in the country have to follow additional due diligence, including the appointment of a chief compliance officer, nodal contact person and resident grievance officer.

On Tuesday, May 25 teams of the Special Cell of Delhi Police went to Twitter India offices located in Delhi's Lado Sarai and Gurgaon in connection with its probe into the alleged 'COVID toolkit' matter after finding the company's replies ambiguous.

Delhi Police PRO Chinmoy Biswal had told reporters that it appears that Twitter has some information that is not known to the police adding that this information was relevant to the inquiry, and that is why notices were served to the company.

The cell had earlier sent a notice to Twitter in connection with an inquiry into a complaint regarding the alleged 'COVID-19 toolkit' and sought a clarification from the microblogging site for classifying a related tweet by BJP leader Sambit Patra as "manipulative".

The team however were not able to meet anyone as the offices were shut and most Twitter employees are working from home in the Covid lockdown.