Tue Jan 14 19:09:56 UTC 2025: ## Indian Parliament to Summon Meta CEO Over Misinformation on 2024 Elections

**NEW DELHI** – India’s parliamentary committee on communications and information technology will summon Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg following his claim that the incumbent Indian government lost the 2024 elections due to its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Committee chairman Nishikant Dubey denounced Zuckerberg’s statement as “misinformation” that damages India’s image and demanded an apology from Meta.

Dubey’s announcement follows criticism from Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who called Zuckerberg’s assertion “erroneous.” Vaishnaw highlighted India’s successful vaccination drive and economic growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership as evidence contradicting Zuckerberg’s claim. He emphasized the resounding victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2024 elections, achieved despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Zuckerberg made the statement during a recent podcast, suggesting a global trend of incumbent governments losing elections in 2024 due to decreased public trust stemming from COVID-19 responses. However, the Indian government strongly refutes this claim, citing the high voter turnout and Modi’s significant electoral victory as proof of continued public confidence. The committee’s summoning of Meta underscores the Indian government’s serious concern over the spread of misinformation and its impact on the country’s reputation.

Read More