The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has called upon Meta’s global leadership to address several compliance issues, spotlighting the unexpected removal of a Facebook Reel posted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This meeting underscores the Union government’s concerns regarding Meta’s adherence to India’s digital regulations. Officials are expected to seek clarity on why the Prime Minister’s content was mistakenly taken down, despite the platform’s sophisticated content moderation protocols.
Meta promptly restored the Reel on the same day, attributing its removal to an error and reportedly issuing an apology to the government. The video in question focused on the NEET-UG paper leak, proposing solutions such as the establishment of fast-track courts and imposing stricter penalties to prevent future exam paper leaks.
Another significant topic on the agenda is Instagram’s management of content related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and relevant advertisements. This comes after recent directives aimed at eliminating such content from the platform. The government is keen to ensure that Instagram adheres to these directives to protect vulnerable users.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about WhatsApp’s proposed introduction of a username feature. Authorities worry that this feature could heighten the risks of impersonation, phishing, identity theft, and online fraud. As a precautionary measure, the government has requested WhatsApp to hold off on implementing this feature until comprehensive consultations are conducted.
During the meeting, officials are also anticipated to emphasize the importance of stricter compliance with India’s IT Rules. This includes discussions on issues such as AI-generated content, maintaining public order, and enhancing platform accountability, as the government seeks to ensure that digital platforms operate responsibly and transparently in the country.