Kejriwal Claims Instagram Account Restricted in India, Accuses Meta of Political Bias

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday alleged that his Instagram account had been restricted for users in India, accusing Meta of acting unfairly and urging the social media company not to "bow down to Prime Minister Narendra Modi so much." The former Delhi Chief Minister said he was informed that his Instagram profile was no longer accessible to users in India. According to Kejriwal, Meta did not provide any prior notice or explanation for the action, despite repeated attempts by his team to seek clarification.

Taking to social media platform X, Kejriwal criticized the company over what he described as a lack of transparency. He questioned the decision and alleged that the move reflected political pressure on the platform. However, he did not present any evidence to support his claim that the restriction was politically motivated.

Meta has not issued an official statement explaining why the account was reportedly restricted or whether the action was linked to a violation of its community standards, a technical issue, or a legal request. The incident has triggered fresh debate over the role of global technology companies in moderating political content in India. Social media platforms frequently face scrutiny over how they enforce content policies, particularly when high-profile political leaders and public figures are involved.

Digital rights experts have long argued that platforms should clearly communicate the reasons behind account restrictions or content removals to ensure transparency and maintain user trust. At the same time, technology companies are expected to comply with local laws while balancing free expression and platform safety.

The controversy also comes at a time when Meta is facing increased public attention over its content moderation practices in India, with political parties across the spectrum raising concerns over the company's handling of online content. It remains unclear whether Meta will restore the account or issue a detailed explanation in the coming days. Until then, Kejriwal's allegation is likely to fuel further discussion over social media regulation, platform accountability, and the relationship between technology companies and political discourse in India.