Tech Giant Faces Backlash Over Content Moderation

MUMBAI — The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has launched a scathing attack on Meta, accusing the multinational tech giant of anti-Hindu bias following the removal and restriction of a promotional video featuring Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The video, released by the World Hindu Congress (WHC), invited attendees to the upcoming global summit scheduled in Mumbai.

According to organizational statements, the promotional reel was initially posted across major social media handles, including Facebook and Instagram, on October 26. Within hours, the content was restricted from being viewed in India, prompting immediate protests from the organizers. Despite being reposted, the video was taken down a second time the following day.

Invoking Information Technology Rules

Meta defended its content moderation decision by stating that the restriction was enforced following a formal legal request. The company cited compliance requirements under India's Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules.

In a formal notification to the publishers, Meta noted that the content underwent internal policy reviews alongside legal and human rights assessments before access was blocked in the specific region where it allegedly conflicted with local statutes.

Demand for Transparency and Apology

The World Hindu Congress has formally written to Meta, seeking complete transparency regarding the exact legal provisions allegedly violated by the short video message from the Chief Minister. The organizers have demanded the immediate reinstatement of the restricted media and assurances that such actions will not recur.

Weighing in on the controversy, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal warned the platform against arbitrary content removals, demanding an unconditional public apology and the immediate restoration of the video.

As the debate over platform accountability and intermediary liability intensifies, industry analysts note that this incident underscores the growing friction between digital platforms enforcing local regulatory compliance and political organizers seeking unhindered digital outreach.