New Delhi: Meta has found itself under fresh scrutiny after appearing before a Parliamentary Standing Committee that questioned the company over the removal of a Facebook video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the social media giant apologised for the incident, members of the panel reportedly made it clear that an apology alone would not resolve concerns over the platform’s handling of content involving India’s constitutional authorities.
The meeting, held by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, focused on the circumstances surrounding the removal of the Prime Minister’s video and the broader issue of content moderation by global technology platforms operating in India. According to reports, lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with Meta’s explanation and stressed that digital platforms must remain transparent, accountable and consistent in enforcing their policies.
Committee members are understood to have questioned Meta officials on how the video was mistakenly removed and whether existing moderation systems are equipped to prevent similar incidents in the future. Several MPs reportedly argued that such errors involving the country’s elected leadership undermine public trust and called for stronger safeguards to ensure they are not repeated.
Although Meta acknowledged the mistake and apologised before the panel, parliamentarians maintained that accountability should extend beyond a verbal apology. Reports indicate that members discussed the need for stricter compliance with Indian laws, better oversight of automated moderation systems and greater transparency in the company’s decision making process. Some MPs also sought clarity on whether internal reviews had been initiated and what corrective measures would be implemented.
The controversy stems from the temporary removal of a Facebook video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meta later restored the content and attributed the incident to an operational error, stating that it was not the result of any deliberate policy decision. However, the explanation has done little to quell concerns among lawmakers, who believe such mistakes raise larger questions about the functioning of global technology companies in India.
The development comes at a time when social media platforms are facing increasing regulatory scrutiny over misinformation, content moderation, user safety and algorithmic transparency. Parliament has repeatedly emphasised that digital intermediaries operating in India must balance freedom of expression with responsible platform governance while remaining fully compliant with the country’s legal framework.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee is expected to continue monitoring the issue, and any further recommendations could influence future discussions on digital accountability and platform regulation. For Meta, the episode serves as another reminder that even isolated moderation errors can attract significant political attention in one of its largest markets.
As the debate over the responsibilities of global tech companies intensifies, lawmakers have signalled that they expect concrete reforms not just apologies when errors affect matters of public importance.
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