The Parliamentary Committee on Communications and Information Technology has issued a stern ultimatum to Meta, demanding an apology over the brief removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video posted on 23 July, NDTV reported.

The committee has given Meta three days to take action against those responsible for the incident. It has warned that failure to comply will result in the removal of the Safe Harbour protection currently enjoyed by the company under Indian law.

Safe Harbour provisions shield social media platforms from liability for third‑party content, provided they act responsibly in moderating and removing unlawful material. The committee’s warning signals a potential shift in how these protections are applied, particularly when national leaders are involved.

The controversy stems from the temporary blocking of the Prime Minister’s video on Facebook, which triggered widespread criticism and raised questions about Meta’s internal oversight mechanisms. The video was restored, but the incident has continued to attract scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators.

Members of the committee have stressed that the removal of content from the Prime Minister’s account is unacceptable and undermines public trust in digital platforms. They have insisted that Meta must not only apologise but also identify and penalise those responsible for the decision.

The ultimatum comes at a time when Meta is already facing heightened government oversight in India. Earlier, the company assured authorities that posts from prominent accounts, including the Prime Minister’s, would undergo additional checks and be vetted by senior officials before any action is taken.

The committee’s intervention highlights the growing tension between global technology companies and Indian regulators over content moderation, accountability, and the limits of Safe Harbour protection.

This development also reflects broader concerns about the influence of social media platforms on political discourse and the need for stricter safeguards to prevent arbitrary or politically sensitive actions.

Meta is expected to respond to the committee’s ultimatum within the stipulated three‑day period. The outcome will determine whether the company retains its Safe Harbour protection or faces new liabilities under Indian law.

Agencies