Meta says it will apologise for Modi video removal, panel chief demands more

New Delhi: A parliamentary panel reviewing social media regulation has told Meta that an apology alone will not be enough after the company removed a video post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The committee's chief said Mark Zuckerberg will have to apologise personally, turning the heat on the tech giant over what lawmakers called a serious error in content moderation.

Meta executives appeared before the panel on Monday after the company acknowledged a mistake in taking down the PM's post. Sources said the executives expressed readiness to apologise, but the panel's chairperson was blunt: an institutional statement will not do. The demand now is for the company's global chief to own up.

Apology 'Not Enough', Says Panel

The committee's chief told reporters after the session that Meta's offer of an apology was a starting point, not a solution. "Mark Zuckerberg will have to apologise. That is the least," he said, adding that the incident raised deeper questions about how platforms treat content from Indian leaders.

Lawmakers across parties pressed Meta on why the video was removed in the first place, and why it took so long to restore it. The company has cited a technical glitch, but the panel appeared unconvinced, with several members calling for a detailed explanation in writing.

Algorithmic Bias Under Scrutiny

The bigger issue on the table was algorithmic bias. Members asked Meta how its automated systems decide what stays and what goes, and whether Indian content is being unfairly targeted compared to posts from other countries.

Executives were grilled on the opacity of the moderation process. One member pointed out that a video of the PM being removed without prior notice showed a lack of accountability. The panel has asked Meta to submit a detailed response on its content review mechanism within two weeks.

Foreign Links and Content Control

The committee also discussed whether foreign governments or entities have any influence over content decisions taken by Meta's India team. Sources said the question of data localisation and cross-border content control figured prominently in the exchange.

Meta's representatives maintained that content moderation decisions are made independently, but the panel sought clarity on how appeals are handled. The company has been asked to explain its grievance redressal framework and why users in India often face delays in getting decisions reviewed.

What Happens Next

The parliamentary panel is expected to summon top executives of Google and X in the coming weeks as part of a broader review of social media regulation. Meta has been given time to respond to the committee's queries, and its next appearance will likely decide whether the matter escalates further.

For now, the ball is in Zuckerberg's court. Whether he issues a personal apology or sends another corporate statement could shape how this confrontation unfolds.