The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Meta India head Arun Srinivas and several social media users over the alleged circulation of AI-generated videos targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The case relates to manipulated content that reportedly spread across Facebook and Instagram following the recent student protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
As per reports, investigators are looking at whether the AI-generated videos violated provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. The investigation will focus on how the videos originated, the manner in which they were amplified on social media platforms and whether Meta’s existing moderation systems were sufficient to prevent their circulation.
The police are also investigating the role of individuals accused of creating, uploading or sharing the allegedly manipulating content. Authorities said the investigation is currently at an initial stage, and no conclusions have been drawn so far.
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This comes after the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police reportedly summoned representatives from Meta to explain the company’s processes for identifying and removing AI-generated scams, fake advertisements and other misleading content. During the interaction, Meta officials are said to have briefed investigators on the company’s content moderation policies and compliance mechanisms.
We have reached out to Meta for the official statement and will update it when we get it.
In the meantime, a separate development linked to the same protest, a Zero FIR has reportedly been registered against a woman over alleged objectionable remarks directed at Prime Minister Modi during the demonstration held at Jantar Mantar on July 23.
According to reports, the complaint was filed by a Ghaziabad resident, following which police registered a case under Sections 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 353(1) (statements conducing to public mischief), and 356(1) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.