Meta India chief sued over AI-generated fake videos targeting Modi

Police in India's Hyderabad have filed two cases against Meta India Managing Director Arun Srinivas over the circulation of AI-generated manipulated videos and images targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Facebook and Instagram.

The cases also name several administrators of Facebook and Instagram accounts accused of disseminating the controversial content.

According to the complaints, Meta's platforms were used to spread obscene, defamatory and misleading AI-generated videos and images portraying the Indian prime minister, raising concerns over public misinformation and potential threats to public order.

The cases were filed following complaints by two individuals. The first complainant, S. Arvind Reddy, 29, alleged that he encountered multiple manipulated videos and images depicting Modi in an obscene and derogatory manner while browsing Instagram.

The second complaint was lodged by T. Saikiran Goud, a Telangana BJP worker and member of the party's social media wing. He alleged that objectionable reels and doctored images circulating on Facebook and Instagram posed a threat to India's sovereignty, integrity and public security.

Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police said the cases have been registered under Section 66C (identity theft) and Section 67 (publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form) of the Information Technology Act, along with relevant provisions relating to content capable of disturbing public order.

Investigators said most of the disputed videos have already been removed or are no longer accessible within India. Authorities are now examining the origin and distribution network of the content, the role of the account operators and whether Meta complied with its legal obligations in addressing the material.

According to police, the content was circulated during nationwide protests linked to the question paper leak controversy, with demonstrations led by the group known as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

Earlier, Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police also held discussions with Meta to review the company's mechanisms for detecting and removing fake advertisements, manipulated content and online fraud.