Meta Faces 3-Day Deadline Over PM Modi Video Removal

Dubey Calls Takedown An Attack On Democracy

The head of the panel, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, called removal of PM Modi's video an attack on democracy. According to sources, the panel has warned that if he (Zuckerberg) fails to do so within these three days, the government can reconsider the safe harbour protection afforded to Facebook under the IT Act and take action against Zuckerberg. In losing the “safe harbour protection,” both the company and its officers are more exposed to criminal liability for content hosted on the platform. 

“We wrote to the Ministry of IT and the Ministry of Home Affairs stating that deleting the Prime Minister's video was not the responsibility of an intermediary but that of a publisher. Therefore, Mark Zuckerberg must apologize within three days. If he fails to do so, we will revoke the "safe harbour" protection currently provided to social media platforms, a privilege that they have been misusing," he said.

He added, "If FIRs are filed against the Meta chief by everyone affected by such content, there could be a nationwide flood of FIRs, and those responsible may face legal consequences.”

PM Modi Exam Leak Video Sparks Row

PM Modi’s video, which he addressed in a selfie style for the first time and spoke against paper leaks in face of protests led by the satirical group Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) with regards to exams in the country was uploaded on July 23 on his Instagram account and shared with his followers on Facebook as well. 

A day after it was taken down briefly and restored on the platform of a huge backlash, it was earlier this week that Meta officials were questioned. They apologised and called the removal a “technical glitch” during its appearance before the panel. The Ministry of Electronics and Information technology termed the argument a non reasonable explanation, saying that if it was a “technical glitch”, the Meta – a tech company – should have adequate security.

The quick removal of the video had grabbed the notice of many BJP leaders, apart from internet users, who demanded a reply from the tech major. 

Panel Targets CSEAM And Online Abuse

Besides PM’s video removal dispute, the panel has also asked all major tech firms including Google, YouTube, X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Snapchat, to remove Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM) and hateful remarks against women within three days with further instruction not complying will attract severe action. 

Meanwhile, the state police in Telangana are also taking action by lodging multiple criminal cases against Meta and Google for, including with regard to hosting of fraudulent financial apps and creating and circulation of a fake video of the Prime Minister.