India, Aug. 9 -- The Indian Government and Meta are currently engaged in discussions over the company's status as an intermediary under Indian law. What began as calm talks has turned into a major legal question that could reshape the digital world: Can a platform that influences content and promotes paid posts still be called an "intermediary"?

Government sources say recent meetings have focused on Meta's recommendation systems and paid content promotions. The main question is whether these features mean Meta is no longer a neutral messenger but is acting as a publisher. Section 79 of the Information Technology Act gives intermediaries a "safe harbour," protecting them from being held responsible for third-party content. This protection...