Source NDTV
New Delhi: Social media giant Meta is facing mounting pressure in India after a parliamentary panel chief stated that its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, may be required to issue a formal apology over a controversial video allegedly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The controversy erupted after a video circulated widely on platforms owned by Meta, including Facebook and Instagram, which was claimed by several lawmakers to contain misleading or objectionable content related to the Prime Minister. Members of Parliament raised concerns about the role of social media platforms in moderating politically sensitive content, especially during a time of heightened public scrutiny.
The head of the parliamentary panel on information technology criticized Meta’s handling of the issue, stating that the company failed to act swiftly and responsibly. “Such lapses cannot be ignored. Accountability must be ensured, and if required, even the top leadership should respond,” the panel chief said, hinting that Zuckerberg himself may need to address the matter publicly.
The panel is expected to summon Meta representatives to explain the company’s content moderation policies and the delay in responding to complaints about the video. Lawmakers across party lines have emphasized the need for stricter oversight of digital platforms, arguing that misinformation and controversial content can have serious implications for public discourse and democratic processes.
Meta, in its initial response, stated that it is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful online environment. The company reiterated that it has community guidelines in place and uses a combination of artificial intelligence and human review to monitor content. However, critics argue that enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in politically sensitive cases.
This incident adds to the growing list of tensions between global tech companies and Indian authorities. The government has repeatedly stressed the importance of compliance with local laws and has warned platforms against allowing content that could incite unrest or spread misinformation.
Experts believe that the outcome of this controversy could have broader implications for how social media companies operate in India, one of their largest markets. It may also influence future regulations aimed at increasing accountability and transparency in the digital space.
As the situation develops, all eyes remain on Meta’s next move and whether Zuckerberg will directly intervene to defuse the growing political storm.
