Inside Meta-govt meeting: Removal of PM Modi video, child abuse content

The discussions with Meta officials, which lasted for 45 minutes, centred around the removal of PM Modi's Gen Z outreach video and concerns over 'inappropriate' content on Meta platforms.PM Modi and Meta chief Mark ZuckerbergThe government flagged the brief removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook video and lapses in curbing child sexual abuse material during its high-level meeting with Meta executives on Wednesday. The meeting, which lasted for about 45 minutes, comes amid heightened scrutiny over the content moderation practices of Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.Sources said the discussions centred around the removal of PM Modi's Gen Z outreach video, alleged non-compliance with government requirements, and concerns over "inappropriate" content on Meta platforms.The meeting came against the backdrop of the parliamentary standing committee on IT seeking Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's apology within three days for the removal of PM Modi's video or risk losing legal immunity. This safe harbour shields platforms like Meta from liability for third-party content.Led by Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan, the Meta delegation included Vice President Neil Potts, senior director Rafael Frankel and officials Aman Jain and Priya Srinivasan. The government side was represented by IT Ministry secretary S Krishnan. Meta has already been under regulatory scrutiny over Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSAM) appearing in paid advertisements on Instagram. Last month, the government issued a notice to the company over the issue.During its meeting on Wednesday, Meta officials explained the reasons behind the erroneous takedown of the Prime Minister's video. "The meeting concluded after detailed deliberations," sources said. The selfie video was PM Modi's first direct address to the youth amid the protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over exam paper leaks.The video was taken off PM Modi's Facebook account for a brief period before being restored. Meta had apologised for the removal of the video, calling it a technical error.- EndsPublished By: Abhishek DePublished On: Aug 5, 2026 14:11 IST