Meta apologises to Parl panel for removing PM Modi video; accountability demanded

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, tendered an apology before a parliamentary panel on Thursday for the removal of a video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The development came during a hearing of the Standing Committee on Information Technology, where members sought accountability from the tech giant over its content moderation practices.

The video in question, which was taken down from Meta's platforms, had drawn criticism after its removal. The company later restored the content following intervention, but the parliamentary panel took note of the incident and summoned Meta representatives for a detailed explanation.

During the hearing, Meta's representatives acknowledged that the removal was a result of an automated moderation process that had incorrectly flagged the video. They expressed regret over the incident and assured the panel that steps were being taken to prevent such errors in the future. However, committee members were not fully satisfied, stating that repeated mistakes by global digital platforms raised concerns about their accountability under Indian law.

The committee's members across party lines emphasised that content moderation policies must align with India's constitutional framework and legal provisions. They pointed out that undue removal of political content could set a dangerous precedent, especially during elections. Some members also questioned the transparency of Meta's algorithms and the lack of a robust grievance redressal mechanism for Indian users.

This is not the first time that Meta has faced scrutiny over its handling of content in India. The government has previously introduced the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which impose stricter obligations on social media platforms. These rules require companies to take down content flagged by authorities within a specified timeframe and to establish grievance redressal mechanisms.

The apology by Meta, while acknowledging the technical glitch, has reopened the debate on the role of global tech giants in moderating speech in India. Lawmakers have repeatedly sought greater transparency from platforms, arguing that decisions affecting public discourse cannot be left to automated systems that lack contextual understanding.

Officials from the ministry of electronics and information technology also attended the hearing and briefed the panel on ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with the IT rules. The committee is expected to submit a report on the broader issue of online content moderation and accountability of intermediaries.

Meta's representatives assured the panel of cooperation and said the company would review its policies to better reflect local sensitivities. They also offered to share details of the specific case and the measures taken to address similar incidents.

The incident highlights the growing friction between global platforms and Indian regulatory authorities. As digital platforms become central to political communication, the demand for accountable and transparent content moderation is likely to intensify. The parliamentary panel's insistence on accountability underscores the need for a balanced approach that upholds free speech while ensuring compliance with the law.