Two cases were registered after complaints alleged that manipulated images and videos were shared on Facebook and Instagram.
Police are tracing the account operators, while Meta faces scrutiny over its content-moderation systems.
Highlights:
- Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have registered two cases over allegedly morphed posts targeting PM Modi.
- Meta India’s head and operators of several Facebook and Instagram accounts were reportedly named as accused.
- The complaints were submitted by BJP supporters over content linked to recent NEET paper-leak protests.
- One complainant reportedly submitted 20 social media links for investigation.
- Police invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act.
- Meta executives are also expected to hold discussions with MeitY officials over content-moderation concerns.
Hyderabad Police have registered two cases against Meta India’s head and operators of several Facebook and Instagram accounts over allegedly morphed and objectionable social media posts targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The cases were filed following complaints from Bharatiya Janata Party supporters, who alleged that manipulated videos and images of the Prime Minister had circulated on Meta-owned platforms. The disputed material was reportedly shared during recent student protests connected to the NEET paper-leak controversy.
According to reports, the police have invoked relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Meta India’s head has reportedly been named as a co-accused along with the operators of the identified social media accounts. The registration of a case does not establish guilt, and the allegations will be examined during the investigation.
Telangana BJP social media core committee member T Saikiran Goud was among those who approached the police. He reportedly submitted around 20 Facebook and Instagram links and sought action against both the account operators and Meta for allegedly allowing the content to remain accessible.
Investigators are now working to identify and trace those responsible for uploading and circulating the posts. By Thursday evening, the links mentioned in the complaints had reportedly become inactive.
The development comes amid wider scrutiny of Meta’s content-moderation practices in India. The company recently faced government questions after a Facebook post by Prime Minister Modi was temporarily restricted. Meta attributed that incident to an error in its automated moderation system.
Senior Meta executives are expected to hold policy and technical discussions with officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The talks are likely to focus on automated moderation, the treatment of accounts belonging to prominent individuals and safeguards against incorrect removal or continued circulation of sensitive material.
The latest police action highlights growing concerns over the use of manipulated digital content in political discussions and the responsibilities of social media companies. Authorities will examine the source of the posts, their circulation and whether the platform followed the legal obligations applicable to online intermediaries.
