The government has told Meta that it cannot continue to invoke its intermediary status and must shoulder greater responsibility as a service provider after the company admitted lapses in dealing with child sexual abuse material. According to people familiar with the matter, Meta admitted mistakes and assured authorities that it would immediately report child sexual abuse material. Officials said the company cannot go on invoking intermediary status. The development could have far-reaching consequences, including Meta losing the safe harbour immunity it enjoys as an intermediary, though the company can challenge any government decision in court.