Washington: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed he was at risk of a death sentence in Pakistan because of content posted on Facebook, during an interview with Joe Rogan. The Pakistani government accused Facebook of allowing content that violates the country’s strict blasphemy laws, leading to legal battles between Meta and the government.
The lawsuit was sparked by a user-posted image depicting a drawing of Prophet Mohammed, which led the Pakistani government to seek Zuckerberg’s personal responsibility for the alleged blasphemy. Zuckerberg stated he wasn’t worried, as he had no plans to visit Pakistan14. He highlighted the challenges Meta and other global platforms face in navigating free speech and local regulations.
Zuckerberg explained that some countries have different values that clash with free expression, desiring more content restrictions than many would consider reasonable. This reflects the tension between Meta’s commitment to free expression and the varying cultural norms and laws governing online content.
In Pakistan, blasphemy laws can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment or death. Zuckerberg’s comments highlight the need for a nuanced approach to content regulation, balancing respect for local cultural norms with free expression principles. He also noted the increasing pressure on tech companies from stricter content regulation and suggested the U.S. government may need to support American tech companies operating internationally.
Gill Bikram Singh