New Delhi, August 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Meta is intensifying measures to prevent the spread and reappearance of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) across its platforms in India amid discussions with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), according to a report.
The engagement between the technology company and the ministry has focused on Meta’s handling of illegal content and the wider responsibility of online platforms to prevent harmful material from resurfacing after it has been identified and removed.
CSAM is prohibited under Indian law, and Meta is taking steps to address both its circulation and instances in which previously flagged material may reappear on its platforms, the report said, citing sources.
The government has reiterated that digital platforms may not be entitled to safe harbour protection if they fail to comply with applicable legal requirements. However, officials are not seeking to censor social media services and are instead focused on ensuring that platforms comply with Indian laws, according to the sources.
The discussions have also covered broader concerns linked to social media use, including addiction and the circulation of exploitative content. Officials have stressed the need for platforms to balance the social benefits of their services with potential harms.
Sources also said the government has emphasised the importance of India’s cultural context while framing and enforcing content moderation policies.
According to the report, MeitY is exercising its statutory powers sparingly and is primarily focused on ensuring that intermediaries fulfil their legal obligations.
While online intermediaries can potentially lose safe harbour protection for hosting prohibited content, the applicability of such protection in an individual case is ultimately determined by courts based on whether the prescribed legal conditions have been met.
The discussions come as regulators in several countries continue to increase scrutiny of online platforms over content moderation, user safety and compliance with local laws.
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