Meta Apologizes to Indian Government Over Removal of PM Modi's Facebook Video

Meta has formally apologized to the Indian government for the removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook video, attributing the incident to a technical error. This apology follows a high-level meeting with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, where concerns were raised about the temporary suspension of the video. The controversy began when Modi addressed students and assured strict action against exam paper leaks. Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg also acknowledged issues related to child sexual abuse material and deepfake content. The Indian government has emphasized the need for better content moderation and monitoring on social media platforms. This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny of social media companies in India and their responsibilities regarding content management.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 6, 2026, 08:58 IST

Meta's Formal Apology to the Indian Government

Meta, the social media giant, has officially apologized to the Indian government regarding the removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook video. Joel Kaplan, the Chief Global Affairs Officer of the company, described the incident as a technical error. This development emerged following a high-level meeting between senior representatives of Meta and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

In a written statement, Kaplan expressed that he conveyed Meta's apology to the minister for the mistake that led to the blocking of PM Modi's Facebook post. However, government sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the apology was issued on behalf of Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. Kaplan stated, "I apologized to the minister on behalf of Meta for the error that led to the blocking of PM Modi's post."

Clarification Requested by the Indian Government

The Indian government summoned Kaplan on July 23 to clarify the temporary removal of PM Modi's Facebook video. In that post, Modi addressed students and assured strict action against those involved in leaking exam papers.

Zuckerberg's Apology for Deepfake Content

Sources reported on Wednesday (August 5) that after the meeting, Mark Zuckerberg apologized for issues related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM), deepfake content, and mistakes made in managing the platform.

Government sources stated that Meta's team was informed that they do not fall under the definition of an 'intermediary.' According to sources, social media platforms decide which content is shown, thus the 'safe harbor' provision under the IT Act does not apply to them.

Acknowledgment of Content Promotion Issues

Meta's team acknowledged that a significant amount of money was spent to boost certain types of content. Sources added, "They apologized and expressed regret over their mistake."

Government sources indicated that Meta recognized that a considerable amount of illegal content was promoted and that paid promotions were targeted at specific audiences.

Parliamentary Committee's Warning to Meta

This apology came after the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology demanded an apology from Zuckerberg regarding the removal of the Prime Minister's video.

Meta is also under regulatory scrutiny for paid advertisements containing CSAM on Instagram. Last month, the government issued a notice to the company regarding this matter.

Background of the Controversy

The recent controversy began with the temporary suspension of PM Modi's Facebook post on July 23, where he addressed the youth and reiterated the government's commitment to taking strict action against paper leaks. Meta attributed the incident to an AI-based technical glitch, apologized, and restored the post. However, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology deemed this explanation "insufficient" and stated that the company should strengthen its automated systems.

Following this incident, Meta informed the government that additional monitoring would be implemented for posts from the Prime Minister and other verified accounts, with decisions related to moderation being reviewed at multiple levels by senior officials of the company.