Govt rejects Meta's explanation on brief removal of PM Modi's Facebook video
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Centre has rejected Meta's explanation that Prime Minister Modi's Facebook video was removed 'in error', calling it 'not reasonable' and stating the issue is 'far from settled'. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) summoned Meta's global head of public policy over the incident, and further discussions are planned.
Background
The video, posted on July 23 during student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party, featured PM Modi addressing youth and promising stricter measures against examination paper leaks. It was briefly unavailable on Facebook before being restored. Meta attributed the removal to a glitch in automated content filters.
Key facts
Government sources termed Meta's response as 'not reasonable' and said the issue warrants deeper discussions.
MeitY summoned Meta's global head of public policy following the removal of PM Modi's Facebook post.
Meta claimed the removal was due to a glitch in automated content filters and restored the video.
The video featured PM Modi outlining the Centre's response to the NEET-UG controversy and promising stricter measures against paper leaks.
Modi mentioned setting up Fast-Track Courts and a draft legislation for stringent punishment and special courts for paper leak cases.
The Centre later introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, proposing up to 10 years imprisonment and higher fines.
The student agitation ended on July 25 after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.
The government reached an agreement with the Cockroach Janta Party to address their demands.
Prelims pointers
- MeitY: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026
- Fast-Track Courts for examination paper leak cases
- NEET-UG controversy
- Cockroach Janta Party (student protest group)
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Government accountability and social media regulation - discuss the balance between free speech and platform responsibility.
- GS2 Governance: Role of social media platforms in content moderation and their accountability to sovereign governments.
- GS3 IT & Social Media: Impact of automated content filters on political speech and the need for transparent algorithms.
- GS2 Polity: Examination reforms and legal framework to prevent unfair means in public examinations.