Meta India head named in case over Facebook videos targeting PM Narendra Modi

Police in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad have registered a case against the head of Meta India. The action stems from multiple videos posted on Meta's Facebook platform that allegedly depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an "abusive manner."

Authorities are preparing to send a notice to Meta Platforms regarding the case, according to V. Aravind Babu, deputy commissioner of police for cyber crimes in Hyderabad. Meta had not immediately responded to requests for comment.

This legal action adds to a series of recent tensions between Meta and Prime Minister Modi's government concerning content related to the Indian leader. Earlier this week, India's IT ministry summoned Meta executives after Facebook briefly restricted a post by Modi. A government official stated that Meta was expected to explain the matter at the highest level.

A Meta spokesperson had previously explained that the post, which was Modi's first addressing large student protests that led to the education minister's resignation, was blocked inadvertently. Protesters have also recently used online platforms to criticize, joke about, and ridicule Modi. India represents Facebook's largest user base globally.

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The case adds to a string of tensions between Meta and Modi’s government over content tied to the Indian leader.