Model Answer

The recent summons issued to Meta over the temporary restriction of the Prime Minister's Facebook post has reignited the debate on the accountability of global digital platforms and the regulatory role of sovereign states in the digital age.

Challenges to democratic governance

1. Private control over public discourse – Platform algorithms increasingly determine the visibility of political content.Eg: Meta's temporary restriction of the PM's post.
2. Opaque content moderation – Lack of transparency creates concerns over algorithmic bias. Eg: Government sought clarification on Meta's moderation process.
3. Threat to electoral integrity – Misinformation and deepfakes can distort democratic processes. Eg: AI-generated election deepfakes across several democracies.
4. Data sovereignty concerns – Cross-border storage and processing of citizen data raise strategic concerns. Eg: Cambridge Analytica data misuse scandal.
5. National security risks – Platforms may be exploited for terrorism, radicalisation and coordinated disinformation. Eg: ISIS propaganda through social media.
6. Market concentration – A few Big Tech firms dominate digital communication. Eg: Meta, Google and X account for a major share of digital engagement.
7. Weak accountability – Corporate decisions affecting millions often lack democratic oversight. Eg: Parliamentary Standing Committee summoning Meta, Google, X and Snapchat.

Measures for accountable digital governance

1. Strengthen constitutional safeguards under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(2).
2. Ensure intermediary accountability through the IT Act and Intermediary Rules.
3. Mandate algorithmic transparency through periodic disclosures and independent audits.
4. Establish robust grievance redressal with time-bound appeals.
5. Strengthen data governance through effective implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection framework.
6. Promote co-regulation involving government, platforms and civil society.
7. Enhance digital literacy to combat misinformation and deepfakes.
8. Foster international cooperation for regulating cross-border digital platforms.

Digital platforms have become integral to democratic life. The objective should be neither excessive state control nor unchecked platform power, but a transparent, rights-based framework that balances innovation, accountability and constitutional freedoms.