The controversy surrounding the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Facebook video has intensified, with Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology Chairperson Nishikant Dubey demanding a personal apology from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Dubey warned that if such an apology is not forthcoming, the committee could recommend reviewing Meta’s safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act.
The remarks came after the parliamentary panel questioned representatives from Meta, along with officials from other major digital platforms, regarding content moderation practices and compliance with Indian laws.
What Triggered the Row?
The issue stems from the temporary removal of a Facebook video featuring Prime Minister Modi addressing students on the government’s response to examination paper leaks. Meta later restored the video and attributed its removal to a technical error, but the explanation has been questioned by the parliamentary panel.
According to Dubey, the video remained unavailable for several hours, making the incident serious enough to warrant accountability from the company’s top leadership.
Dubey Demands Personal Apology from Zuckerberg
Speaking after the committee meeting, Dubey said the apology should come directly from Mark Zuckerberg, not merely from Meta India or company representatives.
He stated that the parliamentary panel had made its position clear and warned that if Zuckerberg failed to apologise, the committee would recommend reconsidering the legal protections available to Meta under Indian law.
What Is Safe Harbour Protection?
The debate centres on Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, commonly referred to as safe harbour protection.
This provision generally protects intermediaries such as social media platforms from being held legally liable for user-generated content, provided they comply with applicable legal obligations and due diligence requirements. Any decision to modify or remove such protection would involve legal and regulatory processes beyond the parliamentary committee itself.
Meta Appears Before Parliamentary Panel
Representatives from Meta, Google, YouTube, Snapchat, and X appeared before the committee during discussions on the regulation of digital and social media platforms.
According to reports, Meta expressed regret over the removal of the Prime Minister’s video and indicated its willingness to apologise. However, committee members maintained that accountability should extend to the company’s global leadership.
Broader Concerns Over Content Moderation
The committee meeting also examined wider issues related to digital platforms, including:
- Content moderation policies.
- Algorithmic transparency.
- Compliance with Indian regulations.
- Handling of harmful and illegal online content.
- Accountability of global technology companies operating in India.
Members reportedly questioned platform representatives about their moderation practices and sought written responses on several issues raised during the discussions.
Issue Continues to Draw Attention
The incident has renewed debate over the responsibilities of global social media companies in India and the balance between platform moderation and accountability. While Meta has described the removal as an inadvertent technical error, the parliamentary committee has indicated that it expects stronger assurances and accountability from the company.
The matter is likely to remain under scrutiny as the committee reviews responses from the platforms and considers any further recommendations regarding digital platform regulation in India.
