Parliamentary IT committee to Meta: Apologise for PM video removal or lose safe harbour
Safe harbour under the IT Act gives tech firms general immunity for users’ posts; the panel also named Google India, seeking similar action against the tech firm for financial frauds
The Lok Sabha Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology has issued a three-day ultimatum to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, demanding an apology for the company's removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video. The committee, led by BJP member Nishikant Dubey, believes that Meta's legal immunity under Section 79(3) of the Information Technology Act may be revoked if he fails to comply.
The removal of the video sparked outrage from the government, prompting senior officials to seek an explanation from Meta and an apology from Zuckerberg. The committee also criticized Meta for the presence of child sex abuse material and demeaning content against women on its platform. Google India's safe harbour has also been targeted, with the committee demanding action against intermediary platforms carrying such content. The IT Ministry and Meta have yet to respond to the committee's letter.
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