Arvind Kejriwal Claims Meta Restricted His Instagram Account in India
Indiadailyupdate.com – Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal has made serious allegations against social media giant Meta, claiming that his Instagram account has been “restricted” in India. The former Delhi chief minister took to social media platform X to voice his concerns, writing: “Don’t bow down to PM Modi so much. Else he will allow u to run only his own account in India.” This statement came after Kejriwal noticed that his Instagram profile was showing as “Unavailable in some locations” for users within India.
The AAP leader expressed frustration over what he perceives as selective enforcement by Meta. In his message on X, Kejriwal questioned the platform directly: “Why have you restricted my account? Verbal inquiries at your India office revealed that my account has been restricted in India and is unavailable in India. Why?” He emphasized that despite multiple attempts to contact Meta through various channels, he had received no substantive response regarding the restriction or guidance on how to resolve it.
Meta Faces Growing Scrutiny in India
Kejriwal’s allegations emerged at a critical time for Meta in India. The tech giant had just issued an official apology a day earlier for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Facebook video. This incident occurred on July 23, when Modi’s selfie video was briefly taken down from his official Facebook page. The video was particularly significant as it represented Modi’s first direct interaction with the public following student-led protests that erupted in Delhi and several other parts of the country.
“All emails written have elicited no response other than routine acknowledgments,” Kejriwal stated regarding his communications with Meta.
Government Meetings and Ongoing Investigations
The situation escalated further when top executives of Meta met with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday. During this meeting, the company’s leadership issued an apology on behalf of Meta for various issues, including failures related to child sexual abuse content and deepfakes. Government sources indicated that Meta’s global officials had been asked to remain in India for another round of questioning. Minister Vaishnaw was scheduled to meet the company’s global executives once again on Thursday to discuss these matters in detail.
Kejriwal’s Broader Message About Digital Freedom
Through his social media post, Kejriwal used the opportunity to make a broader point about digital freedom and perceived favoritism. His statement “Don’t bow down to PM Modi so much” has become a rallying cry for his supporters who believe that Meta is showing preferential treatment toward the Prime Minister’s account. The AAP chief shared a screenshot of his account status page as evidence, showing the clear message that his profile was unavailable in certain locations, including India.
The restriction has sparked discussions among political observers about whether this represents a technical issue or a deliberate action. Kejriwal’s claim that Meta’s India office provided only verbal responses without any written explanation has added to the controversy. His supporters argue that if Meta can quickly address issues with Modi’s account, it should similarly respond to Kejriwal’s concerns about his own account being restricted.
What the Restriction Means for Instagram Users
When an Instagram account is restricted in a particular region, users in that location cannot view the profile, posts, or stories. This means that thousands of Instagram users in India may currently be unable to see Kejriwal’s content. For a political leader with a significant following, this restriction could have implications for public engagement and communication. The AAP has been actively using social media platforms to reach voters, and any limitation on their leader’s presence could affect their digital strategy.
Meta has faced increasing pressure from the Indian government over content moderation practices. The company’s handling of Modi’s video removal was just one of several incidents that have drawn attention. Other concerns include the platform’s approach to handling misinformation, hate speech, and content related to ongoing political developments in India. The government has been particularly vocal about ensuring that social media platforms operate fairly and transparently within the country.
FAQ Section
What does it mean when Instagram says “Unavailable in some locations”?
This message indicates that the account has been restricted or blocked in certain geographic regions. Users in those locations cannot access the profile, view posts, or interact with the account. The restriction could be due to various reasons including government orders, platform policies, or technical issues.
Has Meta officially confirmed the restriction of Kejriwal’s account?
As of the latest reports, Meta has not provided a formal written confirmation regarding Kejriwal’s account restriction. The AAP leader has stated that he received only verbal responses from Meta’s India office without any detailed explanation or written communication.
When was Modi’s Facebook video removed and restored?
Prime Minister Modi’s selfie video was temporarily removed from his Facebook page on July 23, 2026. The video was later restored, and Meta issued an official apology for the incident. This occurred just before Kejriwal’s allegations about his own account being restricted.
What is Meta’s relationship with the Indian government currently?
Meta is facing increased scrutiny from the Indian government over various issues including content moderation, data privacy, and fair treatment of accounts. The company’s global executives have been meeting with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to address these concerns and ensure compliance with Indian regulations.
How might this restriction affect Kejriwal’s political communication?
The restriction could limit Kejriwal’s ability to reach Instagram users in India directly. This may affect his campaign activities, public announcements, and engagement with supporters. The AAP may need to rely more heavily on other platforms or find alternative ways to communicate with their audience in India.
