Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Meta India head Arun Shrinivas and several social media users over the alleged circulation of AI-generated deepfake and morphed content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Facebook and Instagram. The cases were registered following complaints alleging that manipulated videos and images of the Prime Minister were shared on Meta-owned platforms during recent protests linked to the NEET paper leak controversy.
According to police, the FIR names Meta India's local head along with operators of multiple social media accounts. Investigators are examining whether the platforms failed to act promptly in removing the objectionable content and whether there were lapses in complying with legal obligations under India's information technology laws. The investigation is also aimed at identifying the origin of the alleged deepfake material and those responsible for its dissemination.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of social media platforms over misinformation and AI-generated content. It also follows a separate episode in which the Centre summoned Meta executives after a Facebook post by Prime Minister Modi was briefly restricted, with the company expressing regret and agreeing to clarify its content moderation policies before government officials.
Authorities have not announced any arrests so far, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police are examining digital evidence, including the alleged morphed posts, to determine responsibility and assess whether any provisions related to cybercrime, misinformation or defamation have been violated.
