Meta Faces Questions Over Blocked Modi Post
Government rejects Meta’s technical-error explanation after Facebook briefly blocked Modi’s video on examination paper leaks.
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India’s technology ministry summoned senior Meta executives to explain why Facebook briefly blocked a video in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised tougher action against examination paper leaks.
Meta restored the 23 July post and apologized, saying it had been removed “in error.” That did not satisfy the government, which wants a fuller account of how the restriction was imposed.
“It is good that they have apologized and admitted what they did was a mistake. But we are not happy with the explanation,” Information Technology Secretary S. Krishnan said. “It is not adequate, and we are seeking more details.”
Meta blamed automated filters that were reviewing reposts and other material circulating after Modi published the video, according to the Press Trust of India. The filters mistakenly acted against the original post, the company told the government. Meta has also offered additional safeguards for high-profile accounts to prevent a recurrence.
The July 23 video, originally posted on Instagram and later shared on Facebook, was Modi’s first direct selfie-style message aimed at young people. He said the government would introduce stronger measures against paper leaks and discuss proposed legislation at a Cabinet meeting.
A screenshot circulating online during the restriction showed a notice stating that the post was unavailable in India because of a legal request. The government said Meta’s account of an automated technical problem did not adequately explain why that message appeared.
Officials also told Meta that the matter extended beyond a single post and that automated moderation tools operating in India must comply with local law.
The ministry has asked the company to improve its systems and provide more information about the safeguards used for high-profile accounts.
The dispute adds to regulatory pressure on Meta in India. The government has separately questioned WhatsApp’s proposed username feature over fraud and impersonation risks and has sought explanations from Meta over advertisements containing child sexual exploitation and abuse material.
