# Meta faces scrutiny over Modi video takedown and wider content restrictions

2026-08-13T15:16:16+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Meta temporarily removed a Facebook video by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for about four hours and 30 minutes on 28 July, calling it an error and apologising. The episode led to a closed-door meeting of Parliament’s communications and information technology committee on 3 August. Members sought an apology from Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg and discussed removing the company’s safe harbour protection in India, Livemint reports. The News Minute reports that Meta restricted more than 41,000 pieces of content in India between July and December 2025, nearly three times the previous year’s figure. Journalists, media organisations and political groups have also reported post restrictions under India’s IT Rules. The Hindu argues that such takedowns risk suppressing protest-related speech and weakening due process.

## Coverage

- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/companies/meta-modi-video-takedown-safe-harbour-row-india-11786603750788.html>
- thenewsminute.com <https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bid-to-eliminate-the-messenger-social-media-takedowns-leaving-users-in-the-dark>
- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/internet-unbound-on-the-summoning-of-meta-staff/article71345994.ece>

Tags: content takedowns, IT Rules, Meta, Modi video, parliamentary committee, safe harbour
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