Industry News | 6/11/2025
Leadership Change at Meta India as Public Policy VP Steps Down
Shivnath Thukral, Meta India's Vice President of Public Policy, is leaving his role, marking a significant shift for the company in a key market. His departure comes amid India's increasing regulatory focus on AI and digital sovereignty.
Leadership Change at Meta India
Shivnath Thukral, who has played a pivotal role in shaping Meta's public policy in India, will be stepping down from his position as Vice President of Public Policy. This move signifies a major transition for Meta in one of its largest and most complex markets.
Thukral's Tenure and Contributions
Thukral joined Meta in 2017 and has since been instrumental in navigating the company's policy initiatives across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp in India. His leadership was crucial during a period of significant regulatory changes and challenges, including the introduction of new IT rules and increased scrutiny on global tech platforms.
Initially focusing on Facebook's public policy in India and South Asia, Thukral later led WhatsApp's policy efforts before becoming the Director of Public Policy for Meta India in 2022. His work involved engaging with governmental stakeholders and addressing issues related to user safety, privacy, and digital inclusion.
Context of Departure
Thukral's exit comes at a time when India is intensifying its focus on AI regulation and digital sovereignty. The country is a critical market for Meta, with platforms like WhatsApp having over 400 million users. Meta's AI initiatives, including collaborations with 'India AI' to foster AI research and development, are key to its strategy in the region.
Implications for Meta
The departure of Thukral poses a challenge for Meta as it continues to expand its AI-driven services and navigate the evolving regulatory landscape in India. The new leadership will need to maintain strong relationships with policy and regulatory stakeholders to ensure the company's success in deploying AI technologies and adhering to new digital regulations.
Future Prospects
As India moves towards comprehensive digital governance, including the upcoming Digital India Act, Meta's ability to innovate while ensuring ethical AI governance and data privacy will be crucial. The company remains committed to collaborating with government and academic institutions to develop AI tools tailored to India's needs.