Meta Takes Action Against AI-Generated Videos in India Following Police Orders

Meta has taken steps to restrict access to two AI-generated videos featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and businessman Gautam Adani, following takedown notices from the Delhi Police. The action raises significant questions about content regulation and the responsibilities of social media platforms under Indian law. The videos were flagged for allegedly violating various sections of the IT Act, prompting Meta to respond to the legal demands. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between digital content creation and regulatory frameworks in India. Read on to discover the implications of this decision and the evolving landscape of online content management.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 24, 2025, 16:12 IST

Meta's Response to Takedown Notices

Meta has limited access in India to two videos shared by the Congress party on Instagram and Facebook, following takedown requests from the Delhi Police. This information was revealed by the social media giant in a report to the Lumen Database, a project associated with Harvard University.

The videos in question were created using artificial intelligence and depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside Gautam Adani, the head of the Adani Group, as reported by a Media House.

According to Meta, the takedown notices were received on December 18. The police referenced Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, which indicates that social media platforms could lose their safe harbour protection if they do not remove content linked to unlawful activities when instructed by authorities.

Loss of this protection would make these platforms liable for the content involved. The notices also cited rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, mandating that social media companies must act within 36 hours upon receiving a court order or government directive.

The police claimed that the videos breached Sections 336(4) and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as Section 66C of the IT Act. Section 336(4) addresses penalties for forgery, while Section 340(2) relates to the fraudulent use of forged documents or electronic records. Section 66C pertains to identity theft.

Meta described the videos as AI-generated content showing Prime Minister Modi allegedly providing benefits to a businessman. The company noted that failing to comply with the takedown notices could result in losing safe harbour status for the specific content and potential criminal repercussions for its local staff.

Despite the takedown requests, Meta stated that the videos did not breach its community guidelines.

On October 22, the Union government revised the IT Rules to clarify which authorities can request the removal of online content. The previous rules allowed any appropriate government agency to direct social media platforms to take down content. The updated regulations specify that only a court order or a notification from a government official of at least joint secretary rank can initiate such actions. If the request comes from the police, it must be issued by an officer of at least deputy inspector general rank.