Medianama Questions Meta, Google on Unanswered Issues in September
Indian tech publication Medianama has highlighted unresolved questions regarding social media platforms' responsibilities in India, particularly Meta's. Their September newsletter details attempts to get answers on content moderation and intermediary status.
Indian technology publication Medianama has brought to light unresolved questions surrounding the responsibilities of social media platforms in India, with a particular focus on Meta. In its September newsletter, Medianama details its efforts to elicit responses from authorities and platform representatives on critical issues concerning content moderation, the role of algorithms, and intermediary status, but has encountered either silence or evasive replies.
A core issue revolves around Meta's status as an "intermediary" under India's Information Technology Act, 2000. Government sources have suggested that Meta's algorithms, which recommend and amplify content, disqualify it from "safe harbor" protections that shield platforms from liability for user-generated content. This discussion has intensified amid concerns over child sexual abuse material in paid Instagram advertisements. Medianama directly questioned whether the ministry had issued any notices to Meta regarding its intermediary status and the specific legal provisions underpinning the government's stance, but received no response.
Medianama is also investigating Meta's content removal practices in India. The publication reported that Instagram blocked a Story from Software Freedom Law Center, India (SFLC.in) that criticized Meta's earlier decision to remove content from Alt News. Instagram's notification stated compliance with IT Rules. Medianama asked Meta who issued the blocking notice, on what grounds, and whether automated keyword-based takedowns are occurring. No answers were provided, leaving ambiguity as to whether the restriction stemmed from a government order or Meta's own automated systems.
Furthermore, Google has agreed to report child sexual abuse material directly to Indian authorities, bypassing previous indirect reporting channels through the US that caused delays. Medianama highlights that while this is a step forward, many questions regarding platform accountability and regulatory mechanisms in India remain unanswered, complicating efforts to ensure an open and responsible digital environment.