Parliamentary panel gives Meta three-day ultimatum over PM Modi video removal

The Parliamentary Committee on Communications and Information Technology has issued a three-day ultimatum to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to apologise for the brief removal of a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from July 23. The panel, chaired by Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey, has also demanded action against those responsible for the removal.

The video, which was posted on July 23, was briefly taken down from Meta-owned platforms, triggering the committee's response. In a statement, the panel said that the deletion of a video by the Prime Minister, who represents 1.4 billion Indians, is an attack on democracy. The committee's language reflects its strong displeasure over the incident, though this characterisation is a matter of political debate.

The panel has warned that if Meta does not take action against those responsible, the safe harbour clause—which protects social media platforms from being held legally liable for content posted by users—will be removed. Under Indian law, Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 provides this immunity to intermediaries. Without it, platforms could face direct legal consequences, including the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) against their officials.

The committee has further cautioned that the central government would provide the green light for such legal action if Meta fails to comply with the ultimatum. The demand for an apology from Mr. Zuckerberg is an unusual step, as it directly targets the chief executive of the global tech company.

This dispute is part of a broader pattern of increased scrutiny of social media companies by Indian authorities. In recent years, the government has introduced new IT rules aimed at regulating digital content and accountability of platforms. The committee's actions are consistent with its earlier efforts to summon tech executives and examine issues related to content moderation and user safety.

Meta has not yet issued a public response to the committee's ultimatum. The company has historically maintained that it follows local laws and takes down content only when it violates community standards or legal requirements. The specific reason for the brief removal of the Prime Minister's video has not been disclosed by the company.

The three-day deadline set by the committee adds a layer of urgency to the matter. Observers note that the outcome could set a precedent for how tech companies interact with Indian legislative bodies. If the safe harbour clause is removed for Meta, it could have significant implications for the broader digital ecosystem in India, affecting how platforms operate and moderate content.

While the committee's move is within its parliamentary mandate, legal experts have pointed out that the removal of safe harbour protections would require a change in law, not a unilateral decision by a parliamentary panel. The committee can make recommendations, but final authority rests with the legislature and executive. This distinction is important for understanding the practical impact of the ultimatum.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Meta's next step. The company's response could range from an apology and internal action to a legal challenge against the committee's demands. For now, the stand-off highlights the ongoing tension between global tech giants and national governments over digital sovereignty and content regulation.