Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has apologised over the presence of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), deepfake content and other issues on the company’s platforms after the Indian government held a series of tough meetings with Meta officials. Sources said the apology came during increasing scrutiny from the Centre over the way Meta handles harmful and illegal content and how its platforms recommend and promote posts to users.

According to sources, the government told Meta that it cannot claim protection as an 'intermediary' under India's Information Technology (IT) Act if it actively decides which users receive specific content. Officials argued that platforms which influence the distribution of content cannot be treated as passive intermediaries. The government also questioned Meta’s eligibility for safe harbour protection under the IT Act on these grounds.

Sources said Meta admitted that a significant amount of illegal content had been promoted on its platforms. The company also acknowledged that paid promotions had been used to target specific audiences. This admission has added to concerns over the platform’s content moderation practices and the role of algorithms in amplifying harmful material.

The Centre has decided to continue its examination of Meta’s operations. According to sources, government officials have summoned Meta representatives as the scrutiny of the platform continues.

During the high-level discussions, Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reportedly took a firm stand and warned Meta officials that such incidents would not be accepted in India. Sources quoted the minister as saying, “Government of India stands committed to protecting its people and nothing can come in the way of that."

Sources said Vaishnaw questioned Meta officials over alleged violations of Indian laws and sought answers on the company's handling of harmful and illegal content. He also explained the relevant legal provisions to the Meta team. According to sources, the officials appeared “completely unprepared" to explain how the company's practices complied with Indian law.

The minister also criticised Meta over the presence of illegal content on its platforms and questioned its attempt to seek legal protection while earning revenue from such material. Addressing the company, he said, “You are earning money out of child abuse and such illegal content — how can you seek protection?" according to sources.

Vaishnaw also questioned why technology was not being used more effectively to stop such content from appearing on social media platforms. He further told the Meta team, “Platforms like you need to be shameful for using such content to fill your pockets," according to sources.

The government's engagement with Meta has intensified over the last three days. Sources said Meta officials first met the IT team on August 3. This was followed by a meeting with the IT Secretary on August 5. Later the same day, the company held another meeting with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

These discussions took place amid growing concerns over harmful online content, including child sexual abuse material and deepfakes. The government has also raised questions about how social media platforms recommend, amplify and monetise content through their systems.

The latest development follows action by the Parliamentary Committee on Communications and Information Technology. According to sources, the committee issued a three-day ultimatum to Mark Zuckerberg, asking him to apologise and take action against those responsible for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s July 23 video. The committee warned that failure to act could result in Meta losing its safe harbour protection.

The parliamentary panel also directed all major social media platforms, including Google, YouTube, X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Snapchat, to fully comply with Indian laws related to Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and content linked to crimes against women.

The committee, led by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, described the temporary removal of Prime Minister Modi’s video as an “attack on democracy.” Referring to the issue, it said, “If Facebook does not take action against those responsible in this matter, the Safe Harbour Clause will be removed. Mark Zuckerberg will have to apologise. Otherwise, a case may be filed," according to sources.

The committee also warned that if Meta loses safe harbour protection, authorities would be able to file FIRs directly against officials of social media platforms. According to the panel, the central government would provide the necessary approval for such action if required. The developments indicate that the government plans to maintain close oversight of social media platforms and enforce strict compliance with Indian laws related to online safety and harmful content.