'CJP got 30 million views, BJP only 10 mn': Parl panel chief alleges Meta promoting 'anti-democracy' content

The Parliamentary panel chief cited data on views garnered by accounts to highlight the gap between the 'anti-establishment' content and the mainstream parties.

Day after removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video from Facebook sparked a row, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey alleged that some social media platforms were promoting "anti-establishment" and "anti-democracy" content over national parties and issues. Dubey, who heads the department-related parliamentary standing committee on communications and information technology, also flagged concerns over use of VPNs or Virtual Private Networks, which are strictly regulated in India.

The Parliamentary panel chief cited data on views garnered by various accounts to show the gap between what he called "anti-establishment" content and the mainstream political parties. Dubey said the Cockroach Janta Party, which began as a social media movement initiated by Abhijeet Dipke, gained 30 million view in the past one week, while the Bharatiya Janata Party saw only 10 million views.

"In the past one week, anti-reservation content got 8 million views, CJP got 30 million views, BJP got 10 million views, Congress got 15 million views, Samajwadi Party got 2 million views, and Aam Aadmi Party got 1 million views. Why are you promoting others in this manner," he asked.

ALSO READ: Meta's global team in India tomorrow: Govt amid row over PM Modi's reel removal

Dubey further voiced alarm over the use of VPNs and claimed that the social media companies do not reveal the number of users accessing their platforms through virtual private networks.

His comments come a day after Meta briefly took down Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video from Facebook. Expressing grave concern over the incident, Dubey said the parliamentary standing committee unanimously concurred that the takedown was a serious matter.

Calling for Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's apology , Dubey said, “If the content of the prime minister of this country can be taken down and kept deleted for five hours, from 12.30 am to 5.30 am, there cannot be a more serious issue than this. An apology will not suffice. Zuckerberg will have to apologise.”

ALSO READ: When PM Modi's reel briefly vanished: What is — and isn't — known about how Meta moderates VVIP accounts

Withdraw Safe Harbour Protection: Parl Panel

Dubey also lashed out at the social media platforms' inability to curb women and child sexual abuse material, in violation of Indian laws. The Parliamentary panel, which met on Monday to discuss regulation of social media and digital platforms, recommended the withdrawal of "safe harbour" protection provided to these portals.

"The entire committee unanimously recommended that if you fail to take down child sexual abuse material, fail to remove objectionable content targeting women, and continue to promote anti-national forces while not giving due prominence to government content, your safe harbour protection will be withdrawn," he said.

According to Dubey, the "safe harbour" protection was provided under the Information Technology Act, 2000, to internet service providers before social media platforms came into existence. "Safe harbour was provided because, if someone committed a crime using the internet, no action would be taken against internet service providers such as BSNL, MTNL, Reliance and Airtel. These social media companies came later," he said. Dubey said various laws have been enacted since to ensure that intermediaries removed illegal content.

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More