India's Warning to Meta: Apologize for Removing Modi's Video or Face Consequences

A parliamentary panel in India has issued a stern warning to Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to apologize for the temporary removal of a video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The video, which was posted on July 23, addressed students who were participating in youth-led protests against exam irregularities and job opportunities. Although Meta attributed the removal to a technical error, the panel believes it was a deliberate act and has given Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, an ultimatum to apologize within three days. India is Meta's largest market, with hundreds of millions of users, and the company's actions have significant implications for the country's online landscape. The panel's chairman, Nishikant Dubey, has threatened to revoke Meta's safe harbor protections if an apology is not forthcoming. This incident highlights the complex relationship between social media companies and governments, particularly in countries with large and active online user bases.