The Delhi Police has filed an FIR against multiple social media handles for allegedly sharing defamatory content about the Prime Minister. Authorities have formally ordered X to remove specific posts and surrender user account information. This investigation highlights the increasing regulatory pressure on global social media platforms to comply with Indian IT rules and digital safety guidelines.
The Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police has launched an investigation into several social media accounts following allegations of spreading malicious and defamatory content regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This move marks a significant step by law enforcement to monitor digital discourse following recent public protests.
Data Requests and Content Removal
Under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, the Delhi Police has served formal notices to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. The authorities have directed the company to disable access to identified posts within a three-hour window. Beyond content removal, the police are seeking comprehensive subscriber information, which includes personal details such as names, addresses, contact information, and email IDs. Furthermore, the platform has been ordered to preserve electronic logs, including login and logout timestamps, to assist in the ongoing criminal investigation.
Legal Context and Compliance
The FIR has been registered citing sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to criminal intimidation, defamation, and the circulation of false information. These actions are being conducted alongside mandates under the IT Act and the Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021. These regulations require global intermediaries operating in India to adhere to specific standards regarding lawful content and cooperation with investigative agencies.
This investigation appears to be linked to activity surrounding the 'Sansad Chalo' protests held around July 20, which were marked by clashes between demonstrators and security personnel. The police investigation is currently focused on verifying the origin of the posts and the identity of the individuals responsible for creating and sharing the material.
For investors and market participants, this development underscores the complex regulatory landscape for social media companies in India. Compliance with local laws, including the timely removal of content flagged by authorities and the sharing of user data, remains a critical operational requirement for platforms like X. Future updates will likely depend on the data provided by the platform and the subsequent legal actions taken by the police against the identified account holders.