HighLights
  1. Parliamentary panel gives Meta CEO Zuckerberg three-day apology ultimatum.
  2. Demand follows temporary removal of PM Modi's Facebook video.
  3. Committee threatens to withdraw Meta's IT Act safe harbour.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communication and Information Technology has reportedly issued a three-day ultimatum to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to apologise for temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video from Facebook. This comes after the panel, led by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, met Meta officials in Delhi on Tuesday.

Parliamentary Panel Demands Zuckerberg's Apology 

The Committee has asked Zuckerberg to act against those responsible in the matter or risk losing its safe harbour protection provided under Section 79 of the Information Technology (IT) Act. Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Dubey said Meta admitted that the content of PM's video was missing for over four hours. He added that the Committee has demanded Zuckerberg to apologise for temporary removal of the Prime Minister’s video.

ALSO READ: PM Modi Facebook Video Row: BJP MPs Tell Meta ‘Apology Alone Is Not Enough’, Seek Accountability

"Our committee has said two things and has clearly stated that the apology should come from Zuckerberg. If Zuckerberg does not give it, then the safe harbour protection under Section 79 should be withdrawn from him," he said. Dubey also raised questions about the viewership algorithm of big social media companies, stating "they have a policy of giving preference to newcomers."

"Meta India removed the Prime Minister's content. This is not the first time Meta India has done this. If you recall, Zuckerberg himself made a statement in January regarding the 2024 elections and later apologized. This shows that his intention is to destabilise the country. When a video of the Prime Minister of India can be removed, and they themselves admitted that the content was missing for five hours, from 12:30 am to 5:00 am, this is a very serious matter," Dubey added.

What's The Matter?

The row started after PM Modi’s video in which he addressed students over their concerns on paper leaks on July 23, was temporarily removed from Facebook. The video was subsequently restored. Meta reacted to the incident on July 28, saying that the video was removed due to a technical error. "The content was removed in error and has since been restored," a Meta spokesperson had said in a statement.

What Is Safe Harbour Protection?

Safe harbour protection is a legal provision that shields online platforms and businesses from liability for content created or posted by their users as long as they follow specific rules or conditions. 

Meanwhile, Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Meta, along with his team, met  Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary S Krishnan today. The meeting reportedly lasted around 45 minutes, during which Meta officials explained the reasons behind takedown of PM Modi's video.

ALSO READ: Meta Executives To Meet Govt In Two Days Over PM Modi's Video Removal; Mahua Moitra Asks Zuckerberg Not To 'Get Bullied'


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