Digital news outlet Journo Mirror has raised concerns over press freedom after saying Instagram restricted its account twice within 10 days without directly explaining the reasons for the action.
The outlet said Instagram cited legal requirements under India’s Information Technology Rules but did not send it a notice or email specifying the grounds for the restrictions.
Journo Mirror suspects the action may be linked to its coverage of protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. It said no official communication had confirmed the suspected link.
The outlet’s Instagram account was reported to have been withheld in India on October 13. Its co-founder and editor, Mohammad Ali, said he had not received a direct explanation from Meta, Instagram’s parent company.
Journo Mirror said its account had around 500,000 followers and generated 37.8 million views in the 30 days before the restriction, making Instagram a significant channel for reaching its audience.
The action came amid restrictions on other media accounts and posts covering protests in Delhi. The Instagram account of digital news outlet Molitics India was also withheld in October, while posts by journalists and other media organisations documenting demonstrations were restricted, according to media reports.
The developments have raised questions about the transparency of social media content restrictions and their potential impact on independent reporting.
India’s Information Technology Rules, introduced in 2021, include provisions requiring significant social media intermediaries to notify users about certain content removals and explain the grounds for their decisions, while providing an opportunity to challenge the action. The precise obligations depend on the legal basis for a restriction.
Journo Mirror has called on Meta and Instagram to disclose the legal grounds for the restrictions and establish an effective mechanism through which affected accounts can appeal.
The outlet said it would continue reporting on human rights, discrimination and issues affecting marginalised communities.
The suspected connection between Journo Mirror’s protest coverage and the restrictions has not been independently established. The reasons for the reported repeat action also remain unclear.
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