The Indian government has called upon Meta’s global executives to address several compliance issues, including the temporary removal of a Facebook Reel posted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This meeting, organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), highlights the government’s concerns regarding Meta’s adherence to India’s digital regulations. Among the topics to be discussed are the handling of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Instagram and WhatsApp’s proposed username feature.
Meta’s content moderation systems erroneously removed the Prime Minister’s official video, which was quickly restored the same day. The company reportedly issued an apology for what it described as a mistake. The video in question focused on addressing the NEET-UG paper leak and proposed solutions such as implementing fast-track courts and imposing stricter penalties for those involved in exam paper leaks.
The government is also set to raise issues with how Instagram manages CSAM-related content and advertisements, following recent directives to remove such material. Authorities have expressed concerns that WhatsApp’s proposed username feature could lead to increased risks of impersonation, phishing, identity theft, and online fraud. In response, the government has requested that WhatsApp put a hold on this feature until further consultations can be carried out.
During the meeting, Indian officials are expected to emphasize the importance of stricter compliance with the country’s IT Rules. This includes issues related to AI-generated content, maintaining public order, and ensuring platform accountability. The government’s engagement with Meta reflects a broader push to ensure that international tech companies operate within the framework of Indian regulations.