Meta Restricts PM Modi’s Selfie Video on Facebook
In a surprising turn of events, Meta temporarily restricted the visibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s selfie video on Facebook in India. The video, posted on July 23, 2026, was Modi’s first direct selfie-style address to Gen Z students amid ongoing protests related to exam paper leaks. The restriction notice stated that the content had been blocked in response to a “legal request,” though no specific authority or legal provision was mentioned.
The video featured Modi promising stricter action against paper leaks, including fast-track courts and harsher punishments. It quickly went viral, garnering millions of views across platforms, especially Instagram, where Modi remains the world’s most-followed political leader with over 105 million followers.
Meta’s Clarification and Restoration
By the early hours of July 28, 2026, users noticed that the video had become inaccessible on Facebook. The “See Why” option displayed a message about legal restrictions in India. However, Meta later issued a statement clarifying that the removal was unintentional and had occurred due to an error in content moderation systems.
A spokesperson confirmed: “The content was removed in error and has since been restored.” The company emphasized that the restriction was not deliberate and access to the video was reinstated promptly.
Government Response
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) reportedly summoned Meta’s global head of public policy to explain the incident. The government expressed concern about the lack of transparency in the restriction notice and sought clarification on whether external requests influenced the takedown.
This move underscores the growing tension between social media platforms and regulatory authorities in India, especially when content involves high-profile political figures
