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Meta has issued an apology after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s selfie-style Facebook video was briefly removed from the platform, sparking political reactions and prompting the Government of India to seek an explanation from the tech giant. The video, in which the Prime Minister addressed the nation’s youth on the issue of examination paper leaks, became unavailable for users in India for a short period before being restored. Meta later clarified that the removal was the result of an operational error and not an intentional moderation decision. The company stated that the content had been “removed in error” and was reinstated immediately after the mistake was identified.
The temporary disappearance of the video triggered widespread discussion on social media, with users questioning why an official post from the Prime Minister’s verified account had been restricted. During the brief period when the content was unavailable, some users reportedly saw a notice suggesting that the video could not be viewed in India, leading to speculation over whether it had been blocked due to a legal request. However, Meta dismissed those concerns by acknowledging that the restriction had been applied mistakenly. The company reiterated its commitment to correcting the issue promptly and restoring normal access to the video, which soon became available to users once again.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) reportedly summoned Meta’s global public policy leadership to explain how such an error occurred on one of the country’s most prominent public accounts. Government officials are said to have sought clarification regarding the platform’s internal moderation systems and safeguards to ensure similar incidents do not recur. The episode has renewed focus on the accountability of global social media platforms operating in India, particularly when handling content published by constitutional authorities and public institutions.
The incident comes at a time when digital platforms are facing increased scrutiny over transparency, content moderation, and compliance with regulatory expectations. While Meta’s prompt apology and restoration of the video helped resolve the immediate issue, the controversy has reignited broader conversations about how automated moderation systems function and the need for stronger oversight to prevent unintended takedowns of high-profile public content. The government’s engagement with Meta is expected to further shape discussions on platform responsibility, operational transparency, and digital governance in India.