META, the tech giant led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, finds itself embroiled in a political controversy in India. Zuckerberg’s recent remarks about the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections have stirred strong reactions and could lead to a parliamentary summons.
Zuckerberg, during a conversation on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, implied that the Modi-led government lost the 2024 elections due to a “weak Covid-19 response.” This claim has sparked outrage, with Indian officials and lawmakers accusing Meta of spreading misinformation.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, criticised Meta and demanded an apology. He argued that misinformation of this nature tarnishes the country’s reputation and called for accountability from the company.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also rebutted Zuckerberg’s claims, describing them as factually incorrect.
Vaishnaw highlighted the National Democratic Alliance’s decisive victory in the 2024 elections, which secured Prime Minister Narendra Modi a third consecutive term. He stated that the outcome was a clear expression of public trust and confidence in the government.
The Minister pointed to India’s robust management of the Covid-19 crisis as evidence of good governance.
Initiatives such as providing free food to 800 million people, administering 2.2 billion vaccine doses, and offering international aid during the pandemic were highlighted as key achievements. He also emphasised India’s status as the fastest-growing major economy under Modi’s leadership.
Vaishnaw expressed disappointment over Zuckerberg’s remarks and stressed the importance of upholding factual accuracy and credibility. His statements were echoed by other political leaders who criticised the tech giant for allowing disinformation to gain traction.
Meta, which owns platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has not yet responded to the controversy. The silence from the company has further fuelled criticism, with calls for an official clarification growing louder.
