Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police Register FIR Against Meta India Head Over Alleged Morphed Posts Targeting PM Modi

The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) against Meta India's Country Head, Arun Srinivas, along with several unidentified operators of Facebook and Instagram accounts, over the alleged circulation of morphed, AI-generated, and abusive content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The cases stem from complaints alleging that objectionable material was widely shared across Meta-owned platforms during recent protests related to the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.

According to police, the investigation aims to determine the origin of the content, identify those responsible for creating and distributing it, and examine whether the social media platform fulfilled its obligations after the material was reported. The case has drawn national attention because it involves one of the world's largest social media companies and raises important questions about digital accountability and content moderation.

An FIR has been filed against Meta's India head Arun Srinivas and some social media users over AI-generated videos of PM Modi. (Photos: Reuters/Meta) | India Today

Complaints Allege Deliberate Dissemination of Manipulated Content

The first complaint was lodged by Hyderabad-based businessman S. Aravind Reddy, who alleged that while browsing Instagram he encountered numerous AI-generated videos, digitally altered images, and abusive posts portraying Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an objectionable manner. According to the complaint, several accounts were allegedly involved in publishing manipulated content designed to spread misinformation and provoke public sentiment.

The complainant argued that the circulation of such material had the potential to damage the dignity of a constitutional office, mislead social media users, and adversely affect public order. He further urged law enforcement authorities to investigate those responsible for creating and amplifying the content.

A second complaint was filed by Telangana BJP activist T. Saikiran Goud, who alleged that several social media accounts had shared content that was defamatory, offensive, and prejudicial to India's sovereignty and integrity. Based on these complaints, the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police initiated separate investigations into the matter.

FIR Invokes Provisions of the Information Technology Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

Following a preliminary examination of the complaints, the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police registered cases under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to reports, the FIR includes provisions relating to identity theft, publication or transmission of obscene material in electronic form, and offences connected with forged electronic records intended to harm an individual's reputation. Investigators will determine whether the alleged content violated these legal provisions after examining digital evidence collected from various social media platforms.

Officials have stated that the investigation remains at an early stage and further legal action will depend on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.

Meta India Head Named in the Investigation

One of the most significant aspects of the case is the inclusion of Meta India's Country Head in the FIR. While law enforcement agencies frequently issue notices to social media platforms regarding unlawful online content, naming a senior executive in a criminal complaint is comparatively uncommon.

Police are expected to seek information from Meta regarding the accounts involved, the reach of the disputed content, and the platform's response after complaints were received. Investigators are also expected to examine whether existing mechanisms for reporting objectionable content were followed and whether appropriate action was taken in accordance with Indian law.

Meta had not issued an official public statement on the FIR at the time the reports emerged. The company is expected to cooperate with the investigation by providing relevant information sought by the authorities.

Growing Concerns Over AI-Generated Misinformation

The case comes at a time when governments around the world are grappling with the rapid rise of AI-generated content and deepfake technology. Advances in artificial intelligence have made it easier to create highly realistic but fabricated images, videos, and audio recordings that can spread rapidly across digital platforms.

Cybercrime experts have repeatedly warned that manipulated content can misinform the public, damage reputations, and influence public discourse if left unchecked. As a result, social media companies are increasingly under pressure to strengthen their detection systems and respond more swiftly to reports of fabricated or misleading content.

India has also intensified its efforts to address the misuse of digital platforms by encouraging stronger compliance with existing cyber laws and promoting greater accountability among online intermediaries.

Increased Focus on Content Moderation

The Hyderabad case comes shortly after discussions between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Meta regarding content moderation practices involving prominent public figures. Those discussions followed the temporary restriction of a Facebook post from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official account, after which Meta stated that posts from high-profile accounts would receive additional oversight and senior-level review before moderation decisions are implemented.

The latest FIR is likely to renew discussions about the responsibilities of social media platforms in balancing freedom of expression with the need to prevent the spread of unlawful, manipulated, or harmful content. It also underscores the growing importance of transparent moderation policies as digital platforms continue to play a central role in public communication.

Investigation Continues as Authorities Examine Digital Evidence

The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have begun collecting digital evidence and identifying the individuals responsible for creating and circulating the disputed content. Authorities are expected to analyse the origin of the posts, their distribution across Facebook and Instagram, and whether any coordinated effort was involved in amplifying the material.

Investigators will also examine the platform's response to user complaints and determine whether additional individuals or entities need to be included in the investigation. Officials have indicated that the inquiry will proceed in accordance with applicable legal procedures before any further action is taken.

Conclusion

The registration of FIRs against Meta India's Country Head and several social media account operators highlights the increasing focus on addressing digitally manipulated content and ensuring accountability on online platforms. As artificial intelligence and social media continue to transform the way information is created and shared, cases involving alleged misinformation and synthetic media are expected to receive greater scrutiny from law enforcement agencies.

The outcome of the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police investigation may provide further clarity on the responsibilities of social media intermediaries, the application of India's cyber laws, and the measures required to address the growing challenge of AI-generated content while safeguarding lawful online expression.

(Sources: OpIndia, NDTV, India Today)