NEW DELHI: Meta has apologised after briefly blocking a viral video posted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Facebook, saying the content was removed in error and has since been restored.
The incident came as Modi’s popularity on Instagram continued to surge, with his following crossing 105 million after a series of selfie-style videos aimed at connecting with young people amid student protests over examination paper leaks.
The Facebook video, posted as part of Modi’s outreach to Gen Z, was briefly unavailable in the early hours of Tuesday. Users attempting to access it were shown a message saying the content was unavailable, without an immediate explanation.
A Meta spokesperson later said the content had been removed in error and restored.
The company’s apology followed reports that the Indian government was treating the incident seriously and could seek an explanation from Meta representatives. Sources cited by news agencies said the removal may have been caused by a technical glitch.
The video was linked to the student-led protests surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. Modi had used a selfie-style Instagram video to address young people and outline tougher measures against examination malpractice.
The earlier Instagram reel went viral, crossing 303 million views within 24 hours and setting a new record for views on an Instagram Reel during that period. It also helped Modi gain about one million followers overnight.
His Instagram following has since climbed to about 105 million, with reports saying he gained roughly three million followers in a matter of days.
The Facebook episode has added another twist to Modi’s rapidly expanding social media outreach, which has increasingly focused on reaching younger audiences through short-form video.
The incident remains under scrutiny as officials seek further clarification from Meta over what caused the temporary removal. - The Stateman/ANN
