An Indian parliamentary panel has demanded an apology from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg regarding the temporary restriction of a Facebook post by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The post, which featured a selfie video addressed to Indian youth, was briefly restricted on the platform last month.
The lawmaker heading India's parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology has demanded that Zuckerberg apologize within three days. The panel warned it could recommend revoking 'safe harbor' protections for social media platforms if the apology is not issued.
Safe harbor provisions under India's Information Technology Act, 2000, protect online intermediaries from being held legally responsible for unlawful third-party content posted on their platforms.
Meta meetings with Indian officials
Meta executives held meetings with Indian officials this week concerning the restriction of the Prime Minister's post. According to the Press Trust of India, Meta's global team met with senior officials from India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Wednesday following a government summons.
The meeting lasted 45 minutes and included senior Meta executives, such as Global Affairs chief Joel Kaplan.
While Meta restored the Prime Minister's post and issued an apology, India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology stated that it does not consider the company's explanation sufficient.
