New Delhi. Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has issued its first official response following the filing of an FIR in connection with an alleged morphed video and objectionable content related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The company stated that it is in constant contact with the relevant investigative agencies and is fully cooperating with the investigation. Meanwhile, Hyderabad police have registered a case against several social media accounts, including the head of Meta India, and have initiated an investigation.
A Meta spokesperson said on Friday, “We are in contact with the relevant agencies and are fully cooperating with them in resolving the matter.”
What is the whole matter?
The matter relates to the sharing of allegedly morphed photos and videos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. Following a complaint, the Cyber Crime Unit of Hyderabad Police registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The police took action based on two complaints. The complainants allege that certain social media accounts have circulated content that could be detrimental to public order, the sovereignty, and integrity of the country.
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20 Social Media Accounts Under Investigation
The complaint provides police with information about approximately 20 Facebook and Instagram accounts. It is alleged that objectionable and allegedly morphed content was shared from these accounts. The complainants have demanded strict legal action against the culprits and an investigation into Meta’s role in the matter.
Following the registration of an FIR, the Cyber Crime Police is investigating the relevant accounts, digital activities, and the source of the content.
Government also seeks clarification from Meta
Parallel to this case, the Central Government has also sought a detailed response from Meta. The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has summoned senior company officials and asked them to provide policy and technical clarifications on the entire incident. A meeting of officials is expected to take place in the next few days.
S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, stated that the government wants to understand the circumstances surrounding the content and the actions taken against the platform. He stated that India wishes to directly convey its concerns to Meta and seek detailed information on the entire matter.
A police investigation is currently underway, and investigative agencies are examining the alleged morphed content shared on social media, the accounts associated with it, and the role of the platform.