Meta India Head Booked Over Morphed Posts Targeting PM Modi

The Hyderabad cybercrime police registered an FIR against Meta India’s head and several other social media users on Friday. The action follows complaints regarding the circulation of morphed videos and derogatory images targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The legal move comes after BJP supporters and activists alleged that manipulated content was being used to spread misinformation and malign the Prime Minister's image. This case marks a significant escalation in local law enforcement's approach toward the leadership of global social media giants operating within Indian jurisdictions.

The complaints, filed by a Telangana businessman and a BJP activist, specifically highlight the use of AI-generated and manipulated videos. These posts were reportedly circulating during recent student protests over national exam paper leaks. The complainants alleged that the content was designed to create public unrest by misrepresenting the Prime Minister’s statements and actions. Police officials are currently investigating the origin of these posts and the extent of their reach. The FIR includes charges related to digital forgery and the intent to provoke a breach of peace through electronic means.

This development intensifies the ongoing tension between the Indian government and social media platforms over content moderation. The Centre has recently increased its scrutiny of how firms like Meta handle deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation. Earlier this month, officials held high-level talks with tech representatives regarding the prompt removal of harmful content. The registration of this case in Telangana signals that state-level authorities are also becoming more active in enforcing IT regulations. The outcome of this investigation may set a precedent for corporate liability regarding user-generated content on mainstream digital platforms in India.