The investigation follows complaints that objectionable posts spread misinformation and incited unrest
The Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have registered cases against Meta India head Arun Srinivas and several Facebook and Instagram accounts over the circulation of morphed and AI-generated content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests.
The complaints allege that manipulated videos, images and objectionable posts portraying the Prime Minister in a derogatory manner were widely shared across Meta-owned social media platforms.
Complaints cite AI-generated and manipulated content
According to the FIRs, the complainants claimed they encountered multiple digitally altered videos and images while browsing Instagram. They alleged that the content was obscene, misleading and intended to ridicule the Prime Minister.
The complaints further stated that abusive comments accompanying the posts amplified their reach and encouraged wider circulation.
Police are examining whether the content was created using artificial intelligence or other digital manipulation tools.
Allegations of misinformation and public disorder
The complainants argued that the viral posts had the potential to spread misinformation, incite public unrest, outrage public decency, defame constitutional authorities and disturb public order.
The complaints were filed by businessman S. Aravind Reddy and Telangana BJP activist T. Saikiran Goud.
Investigators are also scrutinising several social media posts made during the student protests, many of which allegedly contained abusive and profane language targeting the Prime Minister.
Meta under fresh scrutiny
The latest development comes days after Meta briefly blocked a video posted from Prime Minister Modi’s official Facebook account, drawing criticism from the Centre.
Following the incident, Meta reportedly assured the government that additional safeguards would be implemented for high-profile public accounts. According to sources, future moderation decisions involving the Prime Minister’s account will undergo enhanced scrutiny by senior company officials before any action is taken.
Meta representatives are also expected to meet government officials to discuss content moderation policies and platform accountability.
Delhi Police also acted
The Hyderabad case follows action by Delhi Police, which recently directed multiple social media platforms to remove posts and videos containing abusive remarks against the Prime Minister that surfaced during protests at Jantar Mantar and the violence linked to the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.
Several social media accounts, including those of some news portals, have also received notices in connection with the objectionable content.
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