The Indian government has rejected Meta’s explanation for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Facebook video, saying the company’s claim that the incident resulted from an automated system glitch is “not reasonable” and that the matter remains unresolved.
According to government sources, Meta’s Global Affairs President Joel Kaplan was summoned after the platform removed a video in which the Prime Minister addressed India’s youth and pledged tougher action against paper leaks. The government is also expected to hold broader discussions with Meta over content moderation practices, synthetic media and compliance with India’s Information Technology rules.
Officials said the Centre believes Meta must strengthen its automated systems if a technical error was responsible for the removal. Reports indicate Instagram chief Adam Mosseri was also contacted after concerns that Meta’s India policy team could not adequately convey the seriousness of the issue to its U.S. leadership.
Meta has acknowledged the mistake, apologised and restored the post, stating that the content “was removed in error.” However, government officials have made it clear they consider the explanation insufficient and say discussions with the company will continue.
The controversy began after Modi’s July 23 selfie video, aimed at engaging young people and highlighting the government’s crackdown on paper leaks, was restricted on Facebook, prompting criticism from BJP leaders who questioned Meta’s transparency and political neutrality.
