Meta has introduced additional safeguards for content posted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent accounts following a summons from India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The move comes after Meta temporarily restricted a Facebook video posted by PM Modi on July 23, which was later restored and deemed removed “in error.” Meta informed MeitY that posts from these accounts will now undergo multiple levels of review involving senior company officials, according to inc42.com.
The summons was issued after the temporary removal of PM Modi’s video addressing youth amid protests over alleged examination paper leaks and irregularities. Meta’s response to the government outlined the circumstances behind the removal, attributing it to a glitch in its AI-powered automated content system. The company also expressed regret over the incident and detailed corrective measures implemented to prevent recurrence. A formal reply to the Centre’s notice is expected soon, with a Meta team scheduled to meet government officials later this week or early next week, inc42.com reported.
This development highlights the increasing scrutiny social media platforms face in India regarding content moderation, especially for posts by high-profile political figures. The enhanced oversight by Meta follows concerns over automated content removal errors and aligns with broader regulatory expectations for transparency and accountability. The incident underscores the challenges global platforms encounter in balancing automated moderation with political sensitivities, a key issue in India’s evolving digital policy landscape.
Meta’s new protocol requires that any decision involving content posted by PM Modi and select prominent accounts must be reviewed by at least two senior Meta officials. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s summons and Meta’s subsequent response mark a notable step in government engagement with social media companies on content governance.