A parliamentary committee in India recently questioned Meta representatives regarding the temporary removal of a video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Facebook. The video, which addressed students and promised action against examination paper leaks, was inaccessible for several hours before being restored. Meta officials attributed the incident to a technical error, stating that the content was removed automatically by systems designed to detect deepfake or unauthorized material. While the company offered an apology during the meeting, members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation.
The committee, chaired by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, focused on the broader implications of content moderation practices. Lawmakers raised concerns about the accountability of social media platforms, questioning who within the company holds responsibility for such errors. The discussion also touched upon the platform's handling of other sensitive content, including child sexual abuse material and the functioning of algorithms that determine what users see. Members from various political parties emphasized the need for stricter compliance with Indian laws to ensure digital safety and public order.
Meta has been asked to provide a formal written response to the committee within ten days. The incident has reignited a debate regarding the power of global technology companies to moderate content in India, which is one of their largest markets. As the government continues to scrutinize the digital landscape, the focus remains on how platforms balance automated moderation tools with the need for transparency and accountability to their users and the state.