Meta on Tuesday apologised for removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video from Facebook, saying the action was carried out in error due to a technical issue.

The social media company restored access to the video after it was briefly restricted on the platform.

Government takes note of video removal

The government is taking the matter seriously, and officials are likely to seek explanations from Meta, sources said.

Meta issued a statement regarding the blocking of PM Modi’s video on Facebook.

“The content was removed in error and has since been restored,” a Meta spokesperson said.

Video was restricted over ‘legal request’ notice

Facebook, owned by Meta, had briefly restricted access to the video in the early hours of July 28.

An initial notice displayed on the platform said the video was restricted following a “legal request”. However, Facebook did not provide further details about the nature of the request.

The video, posted on July 23, was Prime Minister Modi’s first address to Gen Z during the 36-day student protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

In the address, Modi said, “stricter action against paper leaks will be announced at tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting.”

The video had received millions of views before Facebook temporarily restricted access to it.

BJP leaders questioned Facebook action

The removal of the video triggered questions from several BJP leaders, who raised concerns over the restriction.

Meta’s apology came after the company restored the post and clarified that the removal was a mistake.