The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is examining whether Meta should continue to enjoy the legal protections available to online intermediaries under Indian law. Officials have pointed to the company’s advertising model and the role of its algorithms in deciding what content users see on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
Under the Information Technology Act, an intermediary is generally defined as an entity that receives, stores or transmits electronic records on behalf of others. Section 79 of the Act provides “safe harbour” protection from liability for third-party content, provided the intermediary observes prescribed due-diligence requirements.
Government sources have argued that when a platform charges for advertisements and uses algorithms to determine visibility and amplification of content, it may no longer function as a purely neutral intermediary. “When you charge to show something on your platform, you are no longer neutral,” a senior official was quoted as saying, adding that such platforms may need to be treated more like service providers with greater responsibility for the content they host and promote.
The remarks come amid ongoing discussions between the Centre and Meta on issues including harmful content, child safety, and algorithmic amplification. Officials have stressed that any final determination on Meta’s legal status and entitlement to safe-harbour immunity would rest with the judiciary rather than the ministry.
219 Young India schools to be set up at an estimated cost of ₹200 crore each.
One Telangana Public School in every Assembly constituency.
“We are setting up 219 Young India schools at a cost of Rs 200 crores each, plus one Telangana public school in each constituency. So, that is the kind of importance the Congress government is giving towards education,” Venkataswamy said.
To boost skill-based education and employability, the government is establishing 119 Advanced Technology Centres.
“Congress government is also setting up 119 advanced technology centres, an opportunity for students to get skill developed and then get jobs immediately,” the minister added.