NHRC Notice to Meta, MeitY Over Anti-Modi Instagram Videos Featuring Children
In Short
Highlight NHRC has sought answers from Meta and MeitY after Instagram videos allegedly showed Etah children in politically charged content against PM Narendra Modi.
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NHRC Notice to Meta, MeitY Over Anti-Modi Instagram Videos Featuring Children
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated an investigation into Instagram videos that allegedly feature children from a coaching centre in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, in politically sensitive content concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The matter has raised questions about the children’s privacy, dignity and protection online.
According to reports, some of the videos included children making critical remarks about the Prime Minister, along with politically charged references. The NHRC has decided to examine whether minors were appropriately protected while the content was being created and circulated.
“The complaint raised concerns regarding the children’s dignity, privacy, psychological well-being, parental consent and possible exploitation,” the NHRC statement said.
An NHRC Bench headed by Member Priyank Kanoongo has issued notices to the SSP and District Magistrate of Etah, Meta India’s Managing Director and Country Head, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The authorities have been asked to submit Action Taken Reports within two weeks.
The Commission has also directed the police to identify the children appearing in the videos and ensure that they receive appropriate protection and counselling. Authorities have further been asked to establish who operated the Instagram account and determine the involvement of adults in scripting, recording, uploading or producing the content.
“Where a cognizable offence is found, appropriate legal action, including registration of an FIR, has been directed,” NHRC said.
Meta Asked to Explain Content Circulation
Meta has also been asked to explain how videos featuring minors were repeatedly uploaded and circulated on Instagram and what measures were taken to restrict their spread.
The Commission is additionally examining whether the content generated any financial or commercial benefit for those involved.
“The Commission has emphasised that the children must be treated primarily as children requiring protection and assessment, while the investigation should focus on identifying the adults/persons responsible for scripting, creating, uploading, controlling or commercially exploiting such content,” the commission said.
The NHRC’s notice means the matter is now under examination; the allegations and circumstances surrounding the videos will be assessed as part of the proceedings.
