Meta India Head Booked Over PM Modi Videos
Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have registered a case against Meta India managing director Arun Srinivas and several social media account operators over allegedly manipulated and abusive videos targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Meta India Head Named in Police Case
Police said multiple videos circulated on Facebook and Instagram during nationwide protests over examination paper leaks. The content allegedly used morphed visuals and objectionable language to portray the Prime Minister in an abusive manner.
Authorities have registered two cases involving the operators of the social media accounts and Meta’s India head. Investigators are preparing to issue a formal notice to the company seeking information and cooperation.
It remains unclear why Srinivas was named personally in the case. Establishing individual liability for content posted by platform users would generally require evidence that the executive had direct knowledge of the material or participated in decisions concerning it.
Hyderabad Police Investigate Facebook Videos
Cybercrime investigators are examining the origin, editing and circulation of the disputed videos. They are also expected to seek account-registration details, technical records and information about Meta’s handling of complaints concerning the content.
The allegations have not yet been proven, and no arrest has been reported. Meta said it was in contact with the relevant authorities and was cooperating to resolve the matter.
India requires online platforms to respond to valid content-removal directions issued by courts or authorised government agencies. Platforms may risk losing legal protection if they fail to act on unlawful material after receiving proper notice.
Meta Faces Growing Government Scrutiny
The police case comes amid heightened scrutiny of Meta’s content-moderation practices in India. The government recently summoned company executives after Facebook temporarily restricted a video posted from Modi’s official account.
Meta said that restriction occurred because of an error and restored the post. Officials, however, sought a fuller explanation about how the Prime Minister’s verified content was blocked while allegedly manipulated videos remained available.
