India Tells Meta to Follow Indian Laws, Not US Standards.
Centre says digital platforms must operate under Indian laws, raises concerns over deepfakes, platform accountability, and Meta's intermediary status.
New Delhi, August 6: The Government of India has taken a firm stand against Meta, stating that no digital platform operating in the country can function according to US laws. The Centre has made it clear that Meta, like all other technology companies, must comply with Indian laws and remain accountable to Indian society.
According to government sources, officials held detailed discussions with Meta representatives on technical issues, including data logs and platform operations. The government described the matter as highly technical and said every aspect was examined carefully during the meetings.
The Centre emphasized that while Article 19 of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, it also permits reasonable restrictions. Officials said digital platforms have a responsibility to maintain public trust and ensure their services comply with India's legal framework.
The government also expressed serious concerns over the growing sophistication of deepfake content. It said discussions are underway not only with Meta but also with other major digital platforms, including X and Telegram, to strengthen measures against harmful and misleading online content.
Meanwhile, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently apologized for shortcomings in the company's handling of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), deepfake content, and platform moderation. Meta acknowledged that illegal content had gained visibility on its platforms and admitted that some content was allegedly promoted through paid boosting to reach specific communities.
Government officials further stated that Meta should no longer receive the legal protections available to intermediaries under India's Information Technology Act. According to the Centre, because Meta actively decides how content is distributed and recommended to users, it cannot claim the "safe harbour" protection granted to neutral intermediaries.
The government's latest remarks reflect a tougher regulatory approach towards global technology companies, reinforcing that all digital platforms operating in India must follow Indian laws and constitutional principles rather than foreign legal standards.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, News Setu makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.