Meta bears greater responsibility than intermediary status allows: Government

Government authorities have asserted that social media giant Meta cannot rely solely on its status as an intermediary platform to limit its responsibilities toward users, particularly regarding child safety and protection. Officials stressed that the company must adopt a more proactive role in addressing harm on its platforms, signaling a stricter regulatory approach to tech giants operating in India.

The government's position comes after Meta agreed to establish direct reporting channels for child safety-related incidents to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the nodal agency overseeing cybercrime investigations. This development marks a significant shift in how the company engages with Indian regulatory authorities on sensitive matters affecting minors.

The directive underscores India's intensifying efforts to hold technology platforms accountable for content and activities conducted on their services. By requiring direct reporting to I4C rather than relying on standard intermediary protocols, authorities aim to expedite responses to child safety threats and ensure swift intervention when necessary.

Government representatives indicated that Meta's intermediary classification, which traditionally shields platforms from liability for user-generated content, does not absolve the company of broader obligations to prevent exploitation and abuse. The framework reflects India's broader regulatory philosophy that global tech companies must adopt stronger safeguarding mechanisms aligned with local legal and social standards.