**India Summons Meta Official Following Removal of Modi Video**
India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has summoned a senior official from Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, in response to the removal of a video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The video, which was aimed at addressing the country's youth during a period of student protests, was taken down on the platform, leading to significant backlash from users and government officials alike.
The video in question was posted by Modi on July 23, amidst protests organized by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over leaked national entrance exam questions. In the video, Modi acknowledged the concerns of students and promised stringent measures against the ongoing issue of paper leaks, which have reportedly led to tragic consequences, including student suicides.
The situation escalated when an activist from Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party highlighted the video's removal on social media. Users attempting to view the video were met with a message indicating that it was unavailable in India due to a "legal request." This prompted a swift and vocal backlash against Meta, with many users expressing their dissatisfaction with the platform's actions.
Meta quickly restored the video, stating that the removal was a mistake. According to reports, the company claimed that the content was taken down in error and has since been reinstated. However, this explanation has not satisfied Indian officials, who believe that further discussions are necessary to address the issue adequately.
Government sources have indicated that Meta's response is "not reasonable" and that the matter is "far from settled." The Indian government is keen on understanding the circumstances that led to the video's removal, particularly given the significant user base of Meta platforms in the country, which exceeds one billion across Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
The video was Modi's first direct engagement with the youth regarding the serious issue of exam paper leaks, which has been a source of public concern. The protests that followed the leaks were significant enough to prompt the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan just days later.
This incident is part of a broader context in which social media companies, including Meta, are facing increased scrutiny from the Indian government. Recently, a court allowed a federal transport minister to proceed with legal action against Meta, X, Google, and other platforms over the spread of allegedly defamatory content. Additionally, a parliamentary panel has summoned representatives from these companies to discuss matters related to user privacy and public order.
Earlier this month, the Indian government expressed concerns regarding the rollout of usernames by WhatsApp, labeling it a potential cybersecurity risk. WhatsApp remains the leading messaging platform in India, boasting over 500 million users.
In June, the Indian government temporarily banned the Telegram app, citing its role in facilitating the question paper leak that sparked the recent protests. The government's actions reflect a growing emphasis on regulating social media platforms and ensuring they adhere to legal and ethical standards in the country.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Meta will navigate its relationship with the Indian government and address the concerns raised by officials regarding content moderation and user engagement. The ongoing discussions may set a precedent for how social media companies operate in one of their largest markets.