The Union government has called upon Meta’s global leadership to address several compliance issues, including the temporary removal of a Facebook Reel posted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Other critical topics on the agenda are the handling of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Instagram and the proposed introduction of a username feature on WhatsApp. This meeting, initiated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), underscores the government’s concerns regarding Meta’s adherence to India’s digital regulations.
One of the main points of discussion is the inadvertent removal of content related to Prime Minister Modi, despite Meta’s sophisticated content moderation systems. The Reel in question highlighted solutions to the NEET-UG paper leak, proposing measures such as fast-track courts and tougher penalties for exam paper leaks. Meta reinstated the video on the same day, attributing the incident to an error and reportedly issued an apology to the government.
Beyond the issue of content removal, the government intends to scrutinize Instagram’s approach to managing CSAM-related content and advertisements. This follows a recent directive to eliminate such material from the platform. Additionally, the introduction of WhatsApp’s username feature has raised alarms over potential risks of impersonation, phishing, identity theft, and online fraud. In response, the government has requested WhatsApp to delay implementing this feature until further consultations can be conducted.
During the discussions, officials are also expected to emphasize the necessity for Meta to adhere more stringently to India’s IT Rules. This includes a focus on managing AI-generated content, maintaining public order, and ensuring platform accountability. The government’s engagement with Meta reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding digital platforms within the country’s regulatory framework.