MeitY summons Meta executives after PM Modi video restriction, raises AI content concerns

New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has summoned Meta's global affairs president Joel Kaplan and Instagram head Adam Mosseri following the temporary restriction of a video posted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Meta-owned platforms.

The summons was issued through email, according to a senior IT ministry official, who said the move was prompted by concerns that Meta's India policy team had not effectively communicated the seriousness of the issues to the company's global leadership.

The official said the removal of the Prime Minister's Instagram reel was only one of several issues that MeitY wanted to discuss with Meta executives.

"The removal of Prime Minister Modi’s reel from Instagram is just one of the issues that will be discussed. MeitY wants to have a larger conversation about synthetically generated content on their platforms and the non-compliance with IT rules," the official told Hindustan Times.

What happened to PM Modi's video?

The controversy began after a video posted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was temporarily restricted on Meta platforms.

The video was related to the ongoing debate over examination irregularities and paper leaks. In the message, Modi addressed students and young people, acknowledged concerns over the issue and spoke about proposed measures, including fast-track courts and stricter punishment for those involved in examination malpractice.

Users attempting to access the post reportedly saw a restriction notice indicating that the content had been limited in India following a legal request, although no specific legal provision or authority was mentioned.

Meta later said the restriction happened due to an error in its automated content systems.

A Meta spokesperson said the content "was removed in error and has since been restored." Reports citing Meta sources said an issue with automated content filters led to the temporary removal.

MeitY raises wider concerns beyond one video

While the restoration of the video addressed the immediate issue, the ministry said its concerns extended beyond the single incident.

Officials said the meeting with Meta leadership would include discussions on how social media platforms handle AI-generated material, including synthetic content and deepfakes.

The government has been raising concerns over the spread of manipulated digital content, particularly content created using artificial intelligence that can imitate real people, voices or events.

The ministry is seeking clarity on Meta's systems for identifying, labelling and removing such content, along with measures to prevent the misuse of AI tools.

Debate over social media moderation and accountability

The episode has renewed discussions around automated content moderation systems used by large technology platforms.

Social media companies rely heavily on artificial intelligence-based systems to detect potentially harmful or policy-violating content. However, such systems can sometimes mistakenly remove legitimate posts or fail to identify manipulated material.

The incident involving Modi's video has raised questions about how platforms balance automated moderation with human review, especially when dealing with official communications and politically significant content.

Critics of social media regulations have previously raised concerns about transparency, government influence and potential restrictions on online speech, while authorities have argued that platforms must ensure compliance with Indian laws and prevent harmful content from spreading.

Meta's obligations under India's IT Rules

Under India's Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, significant social media intermediaries are required to follow due diligence obligations, maintain grievance redressal mechanisms and take action on certain categories of unlawful content.

Platforms operating in India are also required to appoint designated compliance officials and submit periodic reports on content-related actions.

MeitY has previously engaged with major technology companies over issues involving content moderation, user complaints and compliance requirements.

Larger battle over AI-generated content

The discussion between MeitY and Meta comes amid a global debate over the regulation of AI-generated content.

Governments worldwide are examining ways to address deepfakes, misinformation and digitally altered media while balancing innovation, privacy and freedom of expression.

For Meta, the issue adds to the broader challenge faced by social media platforms in improving moderation systems while maintaining transparency in decisions taken by automated tools.

The outcome of the discussions between Indian officials and Meta executives could influence future conversations around AI-generated content, platform accountability and social media regulation in India.