Indian Government Calls Meta Over PM Modi's Facebook Video Removal

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) summoned the global head of public policy at Meta following the temporary removal of a Facebook video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This video, which addressed the issue of examination paper leaks, was taken down briefly, prompting the ministry to seek clarification from the social media giant regarding the incident. The summons reflects the government's concern over the implications of such actions, especially considering the video's significance in the context of ongoing student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) regarding alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination process.

Prime Minister Modi had shared the video on July 23, aiming to connect with the youth of the nation amidst the rising tensions surrounding the examination leaks. In his address, he assured students that the government would implement strict measures against those involved in leaking examination papers and emphasized the importance of strengthening the legal framework to tackle such issues. He announced plans for the establishment of Fast-Track Courts to expedite the legal process and mentioned that a draft law proposing harsher penalties for paper leak offenses would be presented to the Union Cabinet before being introduced in Parliament. The video served not only as a reassurance to students but also as a commitment from the government to protect the integrity of the education system.

After the video was briefly unavailable, it was restored, and Meta later issued a statement acknowledging the error. A spokesperson for the company clarified that the removal was unintentional and attributed it to a technical glitch, although they did not provide further details about the nature of the issue. The incident raised questions about the reliability of social media platforms in managing political content, particularly when it involves high-profile figures like the Prime Minister. The video also underscored the government's dedication to ensuring that the academic year for approximately 22 lakh students remains uninterrupted despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the examination system. Modi reiterated that the future and welfare of the youth are paramount, reinforcing the government's commitment to addressing their concerns effectively.