In a message to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the social media giant detailed the measures it has implemented for posts from the Prime Minister’s account and other prominent users. It also emphasized that the removal of Modi’s post was due to an error in its automated content moderation systems, according to sources.
This action comes after the Centre called upon a senior Meta executive regarding the matter and requested a comprehensive explanation. Sources within the government indicated that a Meta team is expected to meet with officials later this week or early next week to further investigate the issue.
The post, initially shared on Instagram on July 23 and subsequently on Facebook, showcased Modi’s first direct selfie video aimed at addressing the youth of India. In the video, the Prime Minister promised decisive action against paper leaks and announced that new legislation would be introduced to tackle the issue. The Lok Sabha passed the anti-paper leak amendment bill on Wednesday.
Meta swiftly restored the post following its restriction and issued an apology, stating that the content was removed mistakenly due to a glitch in its AI-driven automated moderation systems.
Sources familiar with the discussions reported that Meta explained to the government that its automated filters were analyzing shared versions of the Prime Minister’s post and similar content circulating on Facebook, during which the original post was mistakenly restricted.
The company has asserted that the incident was a result of a glitch in its automated systems and has expressed regret for the oversight. Additionally, it proposed “ringfencing” high-profile accounts to lessen the chances of similar occurrences in the future, sources indicated.
However, the government has deemed Meta’s explanation as “not reasonable” and has requested more information. IT Secretary S. Krishnan commented that while the Centre appreciated the company’s apology, it was not satisfied with the explanation provided regarding the incident.
Government sources highlighted that the issue goes beyond a singular moderation error and stressed that Meta must demonstrate how it plans to enhance the reliability of its AI-driven content moderation systems, especially when such errors can impact posts from the Prime Minister’s official account.
Officials added that summoning Meta’s global executives illustrates the Centre’s commitment to engaging directly with the company’s international leadership on accountability and ensuring that India’s concerns are addressed at the highest echelons.
