A selfie video posted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak was briefly restricted on Facebook before being restored within a few hours. The video, aimed at engaging with India’s Gen Z audience, became the centre of a fresh controversy after users noticed that access to it had been temporarily limited in the country.
Facebook Restriction Sparks Row
The issue surfaced in the early hours of Tuesday when users reported that the Prime Minister’s video was no longer accessible on Facebook in India. According to reports, the platform’s “See Why” feature indicated around 1:25 am that the content had been restricted in India in response to a legal request.
The restriction was later removed, making the video accessible again.
Meta Expresses Regret
According to an India Today report, Meta apologised for the temporary removal of the Prime Minister’s video and restored the content within hours. The company reportedly acknowledged the issue after criticism over the brief restriction.
The video was among PM Modi’s recent direct messages to young citizens, in which he addressed concerns surrounding examination reforms and the government’s response to alleged paper leak incidents.
BJP Questions Facebook’s Action
The temporary restriction drew sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP leader Tajinder Bagga criticised the move in a post on X.
“Facebook has crossed every limit. It has blocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s post on strict action against paper leaks from being seen in India,” Bagga wrote.
He also questioned the authority of an international technology platform to restrict content posted by the Prime Minister of India.
Fresh Debate Over Social Media Platforms
The incident has reignited discussions over the role of global social media companies in moderating content related to public figures and government communications. Although the restriction lasted only a short time before being reversed, it triggered political reactions and renewed scrutiny of content moderation practices on major digital platforms.
