**India Issues Apology Ultimatum to Zuckerberg Over Blocked Modi Video**
In a developing situation that underscores tensions between the Indian government and social media giant Meta, lawmakers in India have issued a three-day ultimatum for Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to personally apologize for the blocking of a video address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Facebook. The demand was articulated by Nishikant Dubey, the head of a parliamentary panel that convened to address the incident on Monday.
The controversy erupted when a video featuring Prime Minister Modi, directed towards students who had recently protested in the capital, was temporarily removed from Facebook. Dubey, a member of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), characterized the takedown as an “attack on democracy.” He asserted that if Zuckerberg fails to apologize and if Meta does not take action against those responsible for the incident, the company could face significant legal repercussions.
“If Facebook does not take action against those responsible in this matter, the Safe Harbour Clause will be removed. Mark Zuckerberg will have to apologize. Otherwise, a case may be filed,” Dubey stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Meta has responded to the uproar by attributing the video's removal to a technical glitch, which they have since apologized for. Despite this explanation, the parliamentary panel's demands reflect a broader frustration with social media platforms and their handling of content that is deemed politically sensitive in India.
On Wednesday, Joel Kaplan, Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, was summoned by the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to provide further clarification regarding the video’s removal. This meeting underscores the seriousness with which the Indian government is treating the incident, particularly given the political context surrounding the Prime Minister's address.
The blocked video is particularly significant as it was a direct communication from Modi to students, a demographic that has been actively involved in protests—an issue that is sensitive for the ruling BJP. The government’s reaction indicates a heightened sensitivity to perceived slights against its leadership, especially in the context of social media's role in shaping public discourse.
Additionally, the Lok Sabha secretariat has warned that if Zuckerberg does not issue an apology, the protections afforded to Meta under India’s Information Technology Act, specifically the Safe Harbour Clause, may be rescinded. This clause currently shields internet service providers and social media platforms from legal liability for third-party content, provided they act as neutral hosts and adhere to basic due diligence.
The potential withdrawal of this protection could lead to a surge of legal complaints against Meta officials and Zuckerberg across India, significantly complicating the company's operations in the country.
The parliamentary panel has also issued warnings to other social media platforms regarding compliance with India’s regulations concerning Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Meta had previously received a notice for violations related to its Instagram platform, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of the company’s content moderation practices in India.
As the deadline for Zuckerberg’s apology approaches, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications for Meta’s business and its relationship with the Indian government. The outcome of this conflict may set a precedent for how social media companies navigate regulatory challenges in one of the world’s largest digital markets.