Meta Blocks Access to Instagram’s @Muslim Page in India Amid Rising Tensions
Meta has complied with a legal request from the Indian government to block access to the popular Instagram page @Muslim, which boasts over 6.7 million followers. The move has drawn sharp criticism and accusations of censorship, particularly given the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following recent violence.
Censorship Accusations as Instagram Page Goes Dark
The Instagram account @Muslim, one of the most influential platforms for global Muslim news, has been blocked in India following a legal directive from the Indian authorities. Indian users trying to access the account are greeted with a message reading: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
The timing of this ban comes amid the deadliest military exchange in two decades between the nuclear-armed neighbors, India and Pakistan. This escalation has already claimed 43 lives and sparked significant diplomatic tensions, particularly around the Kashmir region.
Founder’s Frustration and Defiance
Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh, the founder and editor-in-chief of @Muslim, expressed his frustration, sharing that he had received “hundreds of messages, emails, and comments” from followers in India. In a statement, Khatahtbeh condemned the action as censorship and emphasized that the restriction only strengthened his resolve to continue his work.
“Meta has blocked the @Muslim account by legal request of the Indian government. This is censorship,” Khatahtbeh stated, asserting that such moves underscore the importance of holding those in power accountable through the media.
Meta’s Response and Policy on Content Restrictions
While Meta, the parent company of Instagram, did not immediately comment on the matter, a spokesperson pointed to the company’s public policy on content restrictions. Meta’s policy allows for content to be blocked when it is found to violate local laws, which in this case, appears to be the justification for the ban.
Growing Hostilities Between India and Pakistan
The @Muslim account has long been a vital news outlet, covering Muslim communities and global issues. However, its censorship highlights the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, especially concerning the Kashmir dispute. In recent weeks, both nations have engaged in heavy military activity, with accusations of attacks on civilian sites and increasing online misinformation circulating on social media.
The Indian government has accused Pakistan of supporting terrorist activities in Indian-administered Kashmir, a claim Pakistan has denied. This tension is compounded by a growing number of social media restrictions in India, including the blockage of multiple Pakistani YouTube channels and accounts of high-profile Pakistani figures such as former Prime Minister Imran Khan and cricket stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
International Diplomatic Efforts
As the violence continues, international attention has been drawn to the escalating conflict. Former US President Donald Trump has publicly called for an immediate halt to the violence and offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to help end the bloodshed.
Conclusion
The ban on @Muslim underscores the growing control over social media platforms in times of geopolitical conflict, as well as the power of digital media in shaping public discourse. Despite the government’s efforts to silence certain narratives, Khatahtbeh remains steadfast, calling for justice and transparency in media coverage.
