Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have registered a case against the head of Meta India and several social media account holders over allegedly objectionable posts targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent CJP protest. Investigators are looking into whether content shared on Facebook and Instagram violated provisions of Indian law, with the probe focusing on posts that were allegedly abusive, misleading, or created using artificial intelligence.
According to police, the FIR was filed following complaints that certain posts circulating on Meta owned platforms sought to defame the Prime Minister and spread objectionable content during the protest. Authorities are now examining the origin of the posts, how widely they were shared, and whether platform rules or legal provisions were violated.
Officials have also initiated action against multiple Facebook and Instagram users accused of uploading or amplifying the disputed content. As part of the investigation, police are expected to seek information from Meta regarding the accounts involved, including details that could help identify those responsible for creating and distributing the posts.
The development comes at a time when law enforcement agencies have intensified their scrutiny of social media activity linked to politically sensitive events. In recent days, authorities have taken action against several online accounts over content allegedly targeting the Prime Minister during demonstrations, reflecting a broader effort to monitor and regulate digital platforms amid rising concerns over misinformation and AI-generated content.
The case also adds to the growing spotlight on Meta’s operations in India. Earlier this week, the company faced criticism after a Facebook post by Prime Minister Modi was briefly restricted on the platform due to what Meta later described as an inadvertent error. The company apologised for the incident, saying the restriction was accidental and was promptly reversed.
As of now, Meta has not issued a public statement specifically addressing the FIR registered against its India head. The investigation is still in its early stages, and no arrests have been announced. Police are continuing to gather digital evidence before deciding on the next course of action.
The latest case is expected to renew discussions around the responsibilities of social media companies in moderating online content while balancing free expression with compliance under Indian law. It also highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence in creating and spreading digital content, making verification and accountability a growing challenge for both platforms and law enforcement agencies.