Meta apologised on July 28 after Facebook briefly blocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video in India, calling the removal a technical glitch. The video, posted on July 23, became unavailable to some Indian users before Meta restored it after identifying the error. Users saw a notice saying Facebook had restricted the video following a legal request, raising questions about the sudden removal.
A Meta spokesperson said, “The content was removed in error and has since been restored.” Meta’s statement came after the temporary block drew attention in India, particularly because the video featured the Prime Minister’s message to young people.
The Indian government has taken the incident seriously and is examining how the PM Modi Facebook Video became unavailable. Sources said officials may ask Meta representatives to explain the circumstances behind the removal.
IANS also reported that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology summoned Meta and Instagram’s global heads over the temporary restriction.
The video featured PM Modi speaking to Gen Z about stronger action against examination paper leaks. He said the government planned tougher laws, fast-track courts and stricter punishment for those involved in paper leak cases. Modi also said a draft law with stronger measures would go before the Union Cabinet.
The video had received millions of views before Facebook briefly restricted access in India. Meta later restored the content and maintained that the removal happened in error. The incident has now raised wider questions about content moderation and how social media platforms handle important government communication.