IT Panel Chief Warns Meta Could Lose Safe Harbour Over Modi Reel Removal
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT, Nishikant Dubey, warned that Meta could lose its safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act if CEO Mark Zuckerberg does not apologise for the temporary removal of PM Modi's Facebook reel. The incident has sparked a confrontation between the government and social media platforms over content moderation.
Background
The reel, uploaded on July 23, addressed nationwide protests over the NEET-UG paper leak and announced measures including a proposed law for fast-track courts and stricter punishment. Meta removed it for a few hours, citing an algorithmic error, but the government sought an explanation.
Key facts
Meta temporarily removed PM Modi's Facebook reel from 12:30 am to 5 am on an unspecified date.
The reel was uploaded on July 23 and addressed NEET-UG paper leak protests, announcing measures like fast-track courts and stricter punishment.
Nishikant Dubey, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT, demanded an apology from Mark Zuckerberg or warned of revoking safe harbour under Section 79.
The committee meeting included officials from Meta, Google, YouTube, X, Snapchat, MeitY, and MHA.
Meta apologised, attributing the removal to an algorithmic error, and assured that the algorithm would be amended.
Opposition MPs opposed any move to revoke Meta's safe harbour.
Meta did not respond to HT's request for comment.
Section 79 of the IT Act grants intermediaries immunity from liability for third-party content, subject to due diligence and compliance with government directions.
Prelims pointers
- Section 79, IT Act, 2000
- Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code, 2021
- Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- NEET-UG
- Safe harbour provision
Mains angles
- Discuss the balance between intermediary liability and freedom of speech in the digital age.
- Critically examine the role of parliamentary committees in regulating social media platforms.
- Analyse the implications of revoking safe harbour for foreign tech companies in India.