The recent controversy involving Meta Platforms and the removal of a video featuring Narendra Modi once again exposes a familiar pattern: when faced with scrutiny, big tech retreats behind the opaque shield of “algorithms.” This explanation, while convenient, is no longer sufficient. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are not passive conduits; they are curated ecosystems shaped by human decisions, policies, and priorities. To attribute contentious outcomes solely to automated systems is to sidestep accountability.
This is not the first time such a defence has been invoked. Over the years, content moderation missteps—from historically significant images being taken down to politically sensitive material being flagged—have revealed the limits of algorithmic governance. When decisions have real-world implications, especially in a large and diverse democracy like India, the stakes are too high for ambiguity. The issue is not merely about one deleted video, but about the broader question of transparency: who decides what stays online, and on what basis?
India now finds itself at a critical juncture where it can push for greater clarity and responsibility from global tech giants. Regulatory frameworks must evolve to ensure that companies operating at such scale cannot evade scrutiny through technical jargon. Accountability does not mean stifling innovation; rather, it ensures that digital platforms remain aligned with democratic values. If Meta and its leadership, including Mark Zuckerberg, are serious about maintaining trust, they must move beyond algorithmic excuses and engage in open, verifiable explanations of their actions.