Meta Faces Parliamentary Summons Over Zuckerberg’s Election Remarks
Social media giant Meta is under fire following CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s controversial remarks on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. During an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Zuckerberg suggested that India’s ruling government lost the elections due to its “weak Covid-19 response.”
The statement has sparked a political uproar, with BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, announcing plans to summon Meta. “Spreading misinformation tarnishes a nation’s image. Meta must apologise to the Indian Parliament and its people,” Dubey stated on X.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also criticized Zuckerberg’s claims, calling them “factually incorrect.” Highlighting the National Democratic Alliance’s decisive victory in the 2024 elections, which secured a third consecutive term, Vaishnaw urged Meta to prioritize accuracy and credibility.
The controversy has placed Meta in the spotlight, with concerns over the platform’s role in disseminating information during elections. This incident raises broader questions about social media’s influence in shaping public opinion and its accountability in democratic processes.
Meta is expected to respond to the summons and clarify its position before the parliamentary panel. The company’s leadership is under pressure to address these concerns and reinforce its commitment to responsible communication.
