Meta regrets removing PM's video. Wake-up call for big tech in India? Panel speaks

During an episode of News Track hosted by Maria Shakil, the report discusses the confrontation between Meta and the Indian government after a video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefly removed from Facebook. Following meetings with the IT Ministry and a parliamentary panel warning over the potential loss of safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed regret and apologized for platform errors, deepfakes, child sexual abuse material, and algorithm lapses. Participating in a panel discussion, cyber law advocate Dr. Pawan Duggal, cybersecurity expert Jiten Jain, and TechnoPro founder Sanjay Sahay highlighted that an apology does not exempt tech platforms from legal liabilities. The experts emphasized that Meta operates like a publisher when moderating or amplifying content, arguing that loss of statutory immunity opens doors to civil and criminal litigation. The panel advocated for comprehensive AI laws, strict enforcement mechanisms, and greater platform accountability to prevent foreign big tech companies from interfering in democratic processes and election outcomes.