Now Reading: Safe harbour at risk as Meta apologises for Modi video takedown
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Safe harbour at risk as Meta apologises for Modi video takedown
Meta's temporary removal of a Facebook video by Prime Minister Narendra Modi prompted a rare show of political unity in India's parliamentary committee on communications. Livemint reports that lawmakers from both ruling…
The Story in Brief
Meta's temporary removal of a Facebook video by Prime Minister Narendra Modi prompted a rare show of political unity in India's parliamentary committee on communications. Livemint reports that lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties demanded an apology from Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg and sought to strip the company of safe harbour immunity under India's IT Rules. Meta apologised, citing an error.
Meanwhile, thenewsminute reports that content takedowns are escalating, with Meta restricting over 41,000 pieces of content in India between July and December 2025, nearly triple the previous period, after government notices. Journalists and activists say they receive no clear reason for removals, raising concerns over transparency and press freedom.
The Indian Opinion
The government calls the Modi video takedown a technical glitch; critics see a systemic crackdown. Both ignore the core issue: safe harbour protects platforms from liability for user content, but its removal without clear due process could throttle free speech. The real test is whether Meta's next transparency report names the authority behind each India takedown, and whether courts uphold Section 79(3)(b) notices when challenged.
Sources (2): livemint.com, thenewsminute.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
