Meta apologises after restricting PM Modi’s viral selfie video, even as he hits 105 million Instagram followers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked young viewers after his Instagram video on examination paper leaks reportedly crossed 303 million views within 24 hours. | Instagram


Meta has reportedly apologised after briefly removing a video from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Facebook account. According to reports, the company says it has since restored the post. The removal came even as Modi’s following on Instagram crossed a major new milestone.

In the early hours of July 28, Facebook restricted access to Modi’s first selfie video address to Gen Z protesters. The video was tied to the ongoing CJP-led student protests in India.

Users trying to view the video saw a message saying it was unavailable. No detailed explanation was given at first.

Meta’s response

A Meta spokesperson reportedly released a statement addressing the removal. The company said the content was taken down by mistake and has since been put back online.

News agency ANI tweeted this:

Government reaction

News agency IANS writes that the removal may have stemmed from a technical glitch. According to sources cited by IANS, the Indian government is treating the matter seriously.

Officials are likely to summon Meta representatives for further explanation, the sources told them.

Context behind the video

Modi’s video was part of a broader effort to connect directly with young protesters involved in the CJP-led demonstrations. The video had already drawn massive engagement before it disappeared from the platform.

Even as the Facebook video ran into trouble, Modi’s presence on Instagram kept climbing. He has now reached 105 million followers on the platform.

(This remains a developing story. Further details are expected as officials respond to the removal and Meta clarifies what caused the error.)