Social Media – Parliamentary Panel Seeks Response Over PM Modi Video Removal
Social Media – A parliamentary standing committee has taken serious note of the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video from Facebook, raising concerns over the platform’s handling of public-interest content and seeking an explanation from Meta.
The parliamentary standing committee has asked Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg to issue an apology following the temporary removal of a video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Facebook. According to an official communication, the committee has treated the matter with seriousness and warned that legal protections and immunity available to the company’s leadership could be reconsidered if an apology is not submitted within three days.
Committee Raises Objections Over Video Removal
The communication, sent by the Lok Sabha Secretariat to the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), states that the committee strongly objected to the removal of the Prime Minister’s address. The video featured PM Modi speaking to students and members of Gen Z about examination-related issues, including controversies surrounding question paper leaks and the government’s commitment to taking strict action against those responsible.
According to the committee, the video remained inaccessible on Facebook for nearly five to six hours before it was restored to the platform. Members viewed the temporary removal as a matter requiring accountability from the company.
Warning on Legal Protections
The letter, signed by A. Jyothirmayi, Director at the Lok Sabha Secretariat, noted that the committee expects a formal apology from Meta’s leadership within the specified period. It further indicated that failure to respond appropriately could lead to a review of the legal safeguards and immunity currently available to the company’s chief executive under the applicable framework.
The panel’s remarks underline growing expectations that global technology companies operating in India maintain greater transparency in decisions involving the removal or restriction of public content, particularly when it concerns elected representatives and official communications.
Government Asked to Act in Google India Matter
Apart from the Meta issue, the committee also discussed concerns linked to alleged cyber fraud involving fraudulent investment applications. During its deliberations, the panel referred to a case investigated by the Hyderabad Cyber Police, in which complainants claimed losses exceeding Rs 48 lakh after investing through fake mobile applications.
Following the discussion, the committee expressed its desire that the Government of India take similar action against Google India in connection with the matter. The reference came after reports that the head of Google India had been named as a co-accused alongside individuals allegedly involved in the cyber fraud investigation.
Focus on Platform Accountability
The committee’s latest observations reflect increasing scrutiny of major technology companies and their responsibilities in India. Lawmakers have repeatedly highlighted the need for digital platforms to strengthen accountability mechanisms, particularly in areas such as content moderation, user safety, and the prevention of online fraud.
As digital services continue to play a larger role in public communication and financial activity, parliamentary oversight of technology companies has become more prominent. The recent directions issued by the committee indicate that regulatory authorities and lawmakers are paying closer attention to how global platforms manage content decisions and respond to concerns affecting Indian users and institutions.