Meta writes to Centre, vows enhanced checks for PM Modi’s posts, other prominent accounts

Meta Writes to Centre Vows Enhanced Checks for PM Modi’s Posts

Theindiapostdaily.com – Meta writes to Centre vows enhanced oversight for high-profile accounts following a recent controversy. The social media giant has formally communicated with the Indian government regarding additional scrutiny measures for content shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent public figures on its platforms.

According to sources cited by PTI, the Mark Zuckerberg-led company submitted a detailed letter to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This correspondence outlines new safeguards designed to prevent similar incidents involving posts from the Prime Minister and other influential accounts.

Enhanced Moderation Process

The messaging platform informed the ministry that such content will now undergo extra layers of review. Multiple senior company officials will be involved in the moderation process before any action is taken on posts from these high-profile accounts.

A delegation from Meta is expected to meet government officials in the coming days to discuss the matter further. This meeting aims to address concerns raised regarding the Prime Minister’s Facebook post that was briefly restricted earlier this month.

Background of the Controversy

The issue originated when Facebook temporarily restricted a post by Prime Minister Modi addressing India’s youth. In this video message, the Prime Minister pledged strict action against paper leaks while reaffirming the government’s commitment to tackling this issue amid nationwide student protests.

The post was originally uploaded on Instagram on July 23 before being shared on Facebook. It featured the Prime Minister’s first direct selfie video aimed at connecting with young people. Following the incident, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology summoned Meta’s global head of public policy to seek clarification.

While Meta attributed the removal to a technical glitch and issued an apology, government officials expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation provided. IT Secretary S Krishnan stated that further details were being sought from the company.

“It is good that they have apologised and admitted what they did was a mistake. But we are not happy with the explanation…it is not adequate, and we are seeking more details,” Krishnan had said.

This development comes as Meta faces broader regulatory scrutiny in India. The IT ministry has previously issued notices regarding WhatsApp’s proposed username feature and Instagram’s paid advertisements related to Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material.