Instagram is seeing a fresh wave of nostalgia as users turn their modern photographs into 1980s-style portraits with the help of artificial intelligence. Instead of simply applying a vintage filter, people are using ChatGPT to recreate their appearance, clothing, surroundings and photography style as if the original picture had been captured several decades ago.

The trend has particularly caught attention on Instagram Stories, where users are sharing their AI-generated retro portraits and encouraging friends to create their own versions through the platform's “Add Yours” feature.

The appeal lies in combining today's AI image-generation technology with the visual character of an era known for analogue photography, distinctive fashion and colourful studio portraits.

From modern photograph to 1980s portrait

The concept is straightforward: users upload an existing photograph and ask ChatGPT to recreate it as a picture from the 1980s.

The resulting image can be customised extensively. Users can specify the type of clothing, hairstyle, jewellery, location, lighting and photographic texture they want. This makes the result different from applying a standard sepia or grain effect to an existing image.

A good prompt can instruct the AI to preserve the person's recognisable facial characteristics while changing the surrounding visual elements to match the chosen decade.

Bollywood-inspired retro looks gain attention

For Indian users, one of the most popular approaches is to recreate the visual language of classic Bollywood photography.

Women can experiment with period-inspired sarees, voluminous hairstyles and statement jewellery, while men's portraits can feature tucked-in shirts, high-waisted trousers, period hairstyles and moustaches.

Other variations include old family-album photographs, magazine-style portraits, wedding pictures and television-era studio photographs.

How to create an 1980s AI photo

Creating the image generally requires only a few steps.

First, upload a suitable photograph to ChatGPT's image-generation interface. Then describe the era and visual style you want.

Instead of simply writing “make this photo look old,” provide specific instructions. Mention the decade, clothing, hairstyle, background, lighting and type of camera or film appearance.

Users can also tell the AI to retain their facial identity and avoid unnecessary changes to facial structure.

Once the image is generated, it can be shared on Instagram as a post or Story. Users participating in the trend can also use the “Add Yours” sticker to invite their followers to make their own versions.

Prompts you can try

Classic Bollywood portrait

Transform this photo into a photorealistic 1980s Indian Bollywood studio portrait. Keep my facial identity, facial structure and expression recognisable. Use authentic period clothing, hairstyle and accessories, with warm studio lighting, gentle soft focus and subtle analogue film grain. Use slightly faded but realistic colours and make the photograph look as though it was captured on an analogue camera in India during the 1980s. Avoid excessive sepia effects, artificial ageing or a modern digital appearance.

Indian family album

Recreate this photograph as an authentic Indian family-album picture from the mid-1980s. Keep the person's face and expression natural and recognisable. Use period-appropriate clothing, hairstyle and surroundings, with a simple indoor setting, realistic analogue film texture, soft lighting and natural colours. Make it look like an actual family photograph from the 1980s rather than a modern image with a vintage filter.

1980s magazine portrait

Turn this photograph into an Indian magazine-style portrait from the 1980s. Keep my facial features and identity recognisable. Use period-accurate hairstyle, clothing, jewellery and makeup, along with a simple studio background and dramatic but natural lighting. Add subtle analogue film grain and soft focus while keeping the photograph realistic.

1980s Bollywood hero

Recreate this photo as an authentic 1980s Bollywood hero studio portrait. Keep my facial identity unchanged and recognisable. Give me a period-appropriate hairstyle, shirt and high-waisted trousers, with a classic Indian studio backdrop. Use warm lighting, subtle analogue film grain and slightly faded colours. Make it look like a genuine photograph taken in the 1980s.

1980s wedding photograph

Recreate this image as an Indian wedding photograph from the 1980s. Keep all faces recognisable and natural. Change the clothing, hairstyles, jewellery, decorations, lighting and surroundings to match an Indian wedding of that decade. Use realistic analogue film grain, natural colours and the slightly imperfect texture of an old family photograph.

Why AI makes the trend different

The popularity of the trend reflects how generative AI has changed the way people experiment with personal photographs.

Traditional filters mainly alter colour, contrast or texture. Generative image tools can instead reconstruct elements of a photograph, allowing users to imagine themselves in another decade, setting or visual style.

That flexibility is also why the same trend can produce very different results. One person may opt for a Bollywood publicity portrait, another for a family photograph, while someone else may choose a late-1980s street scene.

A simple way to personalise the trend

For better results, prompts should describe the look you want rather than relying only on the word “retro.”

Adding details such as “mid-1980s Indian studio,” “analogue camera,” “subtle film grain,” “period-accurate clothing” and “natural facial features” gives the image generator more specific creative direction.

Users should also review AI-generated images before posting them, particularly where the tool has altered facial details, clothing or background elements in unintended ways.

The 1980s AI-photo trend is ultimately less about recreating one specific historical photograph and more about using generative AI to imagine an alternative version of one's own visual history.

Instagram has refreshed a key part of its visual identity for the first time in a decade, introducing a redesigned version of its wordmark while retaining the familiar gradient camera icon. The Meta-owned platform has made subtle changes to the lettering, describing the updated design as cleaner, sharper and more modern.

The redesign was announced by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri through posts on Instagram and Threads. Rather than replacing the platform's established branding, Instagram has redrawn the existing lettering while retaining the script style that users have associated with the service for years.

Mosseri said the wordmark at the top of the app had remained unchanged for 10 years and that the company believed it was time for a refresh.

A Subtle Branding Change

Unlike a complete logo overhaul, Instagram's latest update focuses mainly on typography.

The company's recognisable gradient camera icon remains in place, meaning users will continue to see the symbol that has represented Instagram since its major redesign in 2016.

The new lettering has been adjusted to give it a more contemporary appearance while preserving elements of the original Instagram identity.

The change may appear relatively small, but even minor modifications can attract considerable attention when they involve a globally recognised brand.

Last Major Redesign in 2016

Instagram's previous major visual change came in 2016, when the company replaced its older brown camera illustration with the colourful gradient icon that is now widely associated with the platform.

The earlier logo had closely reflected Instagram's origins as a photo-sharing service. By 2016, however, the platform had already begun expanding beyond simple photography.

The new gradient design initially faced strong criticism from users who considered it too simplistic. Over time, the redesigned icon became a familiar part of Instagram's identity.

Instagram Has Changed Since Then

A decade after the last major visual overhaul, Instagram is very different from the service it was in 2016.

Video has become one of the platform's central features, while direct messaging, shopping, personalised recommendations and algorithm-driven feeds have significantly changed how users interact with the app.

Instagram has increasingly positioned itself as a broader entertainment and content platform rather than simply a photo-sharing service.

Mosseri has previously highlighted recommendations as a major part of the platform's user experience, reflecting this shift in how content is discovered and consumed.

Users React to New Wordmark

The new wordmark has already generated mixed reactions online.

Some users have welcomed the updated lettering and described it as a cleaner version of the familiar branding. Others have questioned why Instagram needed to change a design that was already well recognised.

One of the recurring jokes surrounding the redesign is that the altered lettering can reportedly look like “Instagzam”when viewed quickly.

The reaction illustrates the challenge faced by major technology companies when making changes to familiar branding. Even a minor adjustment to the shape of individual letters can become noticeable to millions of users.

Icon Remains Unchanged

An important difference between the latest update and Instagram's 2016 redesign is the scale of the change.

Instagram has not replaced its familiar gradient camera icon or introduced a completely new visual identity.

Instead, the company has focused on the wordmark that appears alongside its broader branding.

For users, this means the overall Instagram identity remains largely recognisable despite the refreshed lettering.

Why the Change Matters

The redesign comes as Instagram continues to evolve from a photography-focused social network into a platform built around video, creators, recommendations and messaging.

The updated wordmark may therefore be intended to modernise the brand without disconnecting it from its history.

Whether the new design becomes familiar over time remains to be seen. Instagram's 2016 redesign shows that even controversial branding changes can eventually become accepted once users have had enough time to adjust.

For now, however, the new wordmark has left Instagram users divided, with some praising the cleaner look while others remain unconvinced that the decade-old branding needed to be changed.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to Meta and the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of eight states over concerns regarding the alleged circulation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and age-inappropriate content on Facebook and Instagram.

The Commission has sought detailed responses on the measures being taken to identify, remove and investigate such content, amid growing regulatory scrutiny of the social media company in India.

NHRC Flags Possible POCSO Violations

The human rights watchdog expressed concern that some of the reported content could potentially fall under offences punishable under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Speaking to media, NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the allegations warrant a criminal investigation if the material is verified as child sexual abuse content, particularly where monetised or paid content is involved.

He stated that an FIR should be registered against Meta if investigators establish violations of applicable laws.

Authorities Asked to Investigate

As part of its proceedings, the NHRC has directed police authorities in eight states to examine the allegations and initiate appropriate legal action wherever necessary.

The Commission has also included the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in the matter and has reportedly shared 50 URLs with the concerned authorities to facilitate the investigation.

Kanoongo warned that if police and government agencies fail to act despite receiving the evidence, the Commission may recommend action against officials responsible for inaction.

Meta Under Increasing Regulatory Scrutiny

The latest notice comes at a time when Meta is facing increased attention from Indian regulators over its content moderation practices.

Earlier this week, company representatives met senior officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology following the temporary removal of a video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi from one of Meta's platforms.

Government officials reportedly sought an explanation for the incident and reviewed the company's compliance with existing content moderation and platform governance requirements.

Meta later stated that the removal occurred because of an erroneous takedown and apologised for the incident.

Meeting Covered Child Safety Measures

According to reports, the meeting between Meta officials and MeitY also included discussions on the company's efforts to combat child sexual abuse material, address AI-generated or synthetic content, and strengthen safeguards before removing content posted by verified public figures.

Officials also reviewed Meta's existing mechanisms for detecting harmful content and ensuring compliance with Indian regulations relating to online safety.

Investigation Underway

The NHRC's notices do not constitute a finding of guilt against Meta. The Commission has sought explanations from the company and the concerned state police authorities before deciding on further action.

The case is expected to remain under close watch as investigators assess whether the reported content violates Indian criminal law and child protection legislation.

A court in the US state of New Mexico has imposed a $942 million (around ₹9,030 crore) penalty on Meta Platforms, ruling that the company's social media platforms contributed to harm affecting young users' mental health.

As part of the judgment, the court directed that $420 million (approximately ₹3,993 crore) be allocated towards treatment programmes for affected children and teenagers. The remaining amount will be spent over the next five years on awareness campaigns, prevention initiatives and mental health screening services.

The ruling follows a lengthy legal battle over allegations that Meta failed to adequately protect minors using its platforms.

Case Decided in Two Phases

The proceedings were conducted in two stages.

In the first phase, the court imposed a $375 million civil penalty after finding that the company was aware of child sexual exploitation concerns on its platforms but failed to take adequate action.

During the second phase, the court ordered an additional $567 million in penalties, bringing the total financial liability to $942 million.

Court Examined Child Safety Concerns

During the trial, prosecutors urged the court to require significant changes to Meta's platforms, including limiting addictive design features, strengthening age-verification systems, improving default privacy settings and enhancing safeguards against child sexual exploitation.

The case centred on allegations that Meta's platforms exposed children to harmful content while insufficiently addressing known safety risks.

Meta Plans to Challenge the Decision

Meta has said it disagrees with the ruling and intends to appeal.

The company argued that it continues to invest heavily in online safety technologies and content moderation but maintained that preventing every instance of harmful activity by bad actors remains a complex challenge.

Legal experts say the appeal process could determine whether Meta will also be required to introduce structural changes to its algorithms and child safety policies beyond the financial penalty.

Broader Regulatory Pressure May Follow

The judgment could increase regulatory scrutiny of Meta across the United States.

Reports indicate that attorneys general from more than 40 states are also pursuing legal action related to child safety and youth protection, potentially exposing the company to additional legal and regulatory challenges.

Attorney General Led the Lawsuit

The lawsuit was filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, who alleged that Meta knowingly failed to make Instagram and Facebook sufficiently safe for children.

The complaint argued that the company's algorithms were designed in ways that encouraged prolonged engagement among younger users, contributing to mental health concerns such as depression, eating disorders and suicidal behaviour.

The lawsuit also alleged that Meta failed to adequately address the misuse of its platforms for child sexual exploitation despite being aware of the risks.

Court Notes Limits of Federal Privacy Law

While examining proposed remedies, the court observed that the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)limits the extent to which companies can be compelled to collect additional personal data from children for age verification.

The court noted that mandatory age-verification measures involving children's personal information could raise privacy concerns under existing federal law, making such remedies legally complicated.

The judgment primarily focused on financial penalties and funding for youth mental health initiatives, while further proceedings may determine whether additional platform reforms will be required.

Tension flared in Chhattisgarh's capital on Wednesday after members of the Bajrang Dal staged a protest over an alleged objectionable social media post targeting Goddess Sita and Hindu saints. The organisation demanded strict legal action against the person behind the post, prompting police to register an FIR and initiate an investigation.

The protest took place at the Civil Lines police station, where Bajrang Dal activists raised slogans and submitted a memorandum seeking immediate action against the accused.

Protest Over Alleged Offensive Post

According to Bajrang Dal leaders, an Instagram account identified as "_wasim_ahmed_1" allegedly shared content containing objectionable remarks about Goddess Sita and Hindu religious figures. The organisation claimed that the account belongs to a resident of the Raja Talab area in Raipur.

Police, however, said they are yet to verify whether the account is actually operated by the individual named in the complaint.

Activists alleged that the post hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community and demanded that criminal proceedings be initiated without delay.

Police Register FIR

Following the complaint, Civil Lines police registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter.

Officials said digital evidence, including the Instagram account, the disputed post and related online activity, is being examined to establish the identity of the account holder and determine whether any offences under relevant provisions of law have been committed.

Police have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the social media account or the allegations against the person named by the complainants.

Warning of Larger Agitation

During the protest, Bajrang Dal workers warned that if prompt action was not taken, the organisation would intensify its agitation.

Chhattisgarh Bajrang Dal state co-convenor Vijendra Verma alleged that repeated attempts were being made to target Hindu beliefs through social media platforms. He urged authorities to take strict legal action against those responsible.

The organisation has also sought a detailed investigation into the origin of the post and the identity of the person operating the account.

Investigation Underway

Police said the case remains under investigation and that technical verification of the digital evidence is in progress. Authorities will examine the social media account, its activity, and other electronic records before taking further legal action.

Officials have appealed to the public not to circulate unverified content related to the case while the investigation is ongoing.

The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of objectionable content shared on social media platforms and renewed calls for stronger action against posts that allegedly incite communal or religious tensions.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday claimed that his Instagram account has been blocked in India, alleging that social media platform Meta was restricting accounts of people raising questions over the Centre's ethanol policy and paper leak issues.

In a post on X, Kejriwal said Meta had failed to provide any clear explanation despite repeated attempts to seek clarification. He also urged users facing similar restrictions to contact him.

Kejriwal Alleges Government Pressure

Kejriwal alleged that the Central Government was pressuring Meta to block the accounts of individuals speaking against the ethanol blending policy and recent examination paper leak controversies.

He appealed to Meta not to succumb to what he described as government pressure and urged the company to operate independently.

The AAP leader also shared a screenshot from his Instagram account status page, which displayed the message "Unavailable in some locations."

Claims Meta Confirmed Restriction

According to Kejriwal, after approaching Meta's India office, he was informed that his Instagram account had been restricted and was currently unavailable for users in India.

He criticised the platform for not offering any detailed explanation regarding the action, describing the company's response as inadequate.

As of Thursday, Meta had not issued an official public statement regarding Kejriwal's claims or clarified the reason behind the reported restriction.

Users Report Similar Issues

Kejriwal said several social media users had informed him that their Instagram accounts had also become inaccessible.

He invited affected users to reach out so that the issue could be documented collectively, suggesting that the reported restrictions were not isolated incidents.

Row Comes Amid Meta-Government Dispute

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of Meta in India following the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook video related to examination reforms and paper leaks.

The video, posted on July 23, briefly became unavailable before being restored by Meta.

The incident prompted the government to seek an explanation from the company, with parliamentary leaders questioning the platform's content moderation practices.

Government Engages Meta

According to government sources cited by PTI, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologised to the Indian government on Wednesday over the temporary removal of the Prime Minister's video.

The company also reportedly acknowledged concerns relating to content moderation, deepfake content and child sexual abuse material on its platforms during discussions with government officials.

The controversy has intensified the ongoing debate over the role of social media platforms, intermediary responsibilities and content regulation in India.

No Official Response Yet

While Kejriwal has publicly alleged that his account has been restricted in India, Meta has not officially confirmed whether any action has been taken against his Instagram profile or the reasons behind it.

The matter is expected to draw further political attention as debates over platform accountability, digital regulation and freedom of expression continue.

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday claimed that his Instagram account has been restricted for users in India. He said he has repeatedly sought clarification from Meta, but has not received any official explanation so far.

Kejriwal also alleged that several other users had informed him that their Instagram accounts had faced similar restrictions. He appealed to affected users to get in touch with him and share their experiences.

Kejriwal Alleges Government Pressure

In a post on social media platform X, Kejriwal claimed that the government was pressuring Meta to restrict the accounts of people speaking about issues such as the ethanol policy and the paper leak controversy.

He alleged that social media platforms should operate independently and should not come under political influence. According to him, Meta should provide a transparent explanation if any action has been taken against his account.

Screenshot Shared on Social Media

To support his claim, Kejriwal shared a screenshot of his Instagram account status. The screenshot displayed the message "Unavailable in Some Locations," which, according to him, indicates that his account is not accessible in certain regions, including India.

He said officials at Meta's India office informed him that his account was unavailable in the country, but he added that the company had not provided any formal clarification regarding the reason behind the restriction.

Meta Yet to Respond

As of now, Meta has not issued any official statement regarding Kejriwal's claim or the alleged restriction on his Instagram account.

The company has also not commented on the allegations that accounts discussing specific public issues are being selectively limited.

What Does "Unavailable in Some Locations" Mean?

According to Instagram's account status system, the message "Unavailable in Some Locations" generally indicates that certain content—or, in some cases, an account—may not be visible in specific countries or regions because of local legal requirements or platform policies.

It does not necessarily mean that the account has been suspended or permanently removed. In many cases, the account continues to remain active and accessible in other parts of the world, while access is restricted only in selected locations.

Issue Sparks Fresh Debate

Kejriwal's claim has triggered a fresh discussion on the role of social media platforms in content moderation and regional access restrictions. While the AAP leader has questioned the alleged restriction and sought an explanation from Meta, the company's official position on the matter is still awaited.

NHRC Orders Criminal Action

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of six states and Union Territories to register First Information Reports (FIRs) against Meta Platforms over alleged violations of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 linked to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Instagram and Facebook.

According to reports, the Commission issued the directions after taking cognisance of allegations that pornographic and age-inappropriate content, potentially containing child sexual abuse material, was accessible through Meta-owned platforms.

The order applies to police authorities in Bihar, Chandigarh, Haryana, Odisha, West Bengal and Delhi.

Complaint Triggered Investigation

The Commission acted on a complaint submitted by a non-profit organisation, which reportedly received anonymous information regarding several Instagram and Facebook links allegedly containing or facilitating access to CSAM.

The organisation clarified that it had neither viewed nor downloaded the suspected content and had only shared the URLs with authorities for investigation, stating that it acted in compliance with the POCSO Act and the Information Technology Act.

In its notice dated August 3, the NHRC directed the concerned authorities to investigate the allegations and initiate legal action wherever cognisable offences are established.

Police Asked to Register FIRs

The NHRC has instructed state police cyber crime units and Special Juvenile Police Units to examine the reported URLs and register FIRs wherever offences under the POCSO Act or other applicable laws are found.

Police have also been directed to identify those responsible for uploading or circulating the content, rescue any identified child victims, produce them before the Child Welfare Committee, and coordinate with agencies including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and Meta.

The Commission has sought detailed Action Taken Reports (ATRs) from all concerned authorities within one week.

Directions Issued to Meta and MeitY

The NHRC has also issued specific directions to Meta and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Meta has been asked to immediately remove the reported content, preserve metadata, IP logs and other digital evidence, comply with mandatory reporting obligations under the POCSO Act, and provide details of the preventive mechanisms adopted to detect and prevent child sexual abuse material on its platforms.

MeitY has been directed to submit a report on the blocking of the identified URLs, action taken against the intermediary and measures being implemented to strengthen online child safety.

Inquiry Linked to Earlier BBC Investigation

The latest directions follow an earlier NHRC proceeding initiated after a BBC World Service investigation alleged that paid advertisements on Instagram promoted or facilitated access to child sexual abuse material through coded search terms before redirecting users to Telegram channels.

Following those reports, the NHRC had instructed Delhi Police to conduct a detailed investigation, preserve electronic evidence and examine whether Meta fulfilled its legal obligations to report suspected offences under Sections 19 and 20 of the POCSO Act.

The Commission later issued a reminder after Delhi Police failed to submit its Action Taken Report within the prescribed deadline.

Separate NCPCR Probe Underway

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has also initiated a separate inquiry into allegations that Meta's platforms were used to facilitate access to child sexual exploitation material.

The Commission sought an explanation from Meta after taking suo motu cognisance of the BBC investigation. Government sources said the company's response has been received and is under examination.

The NHRC has reiterated that every instance involving the creation, circulation or continued availability of child sexual abuse material constitutes a continuing violation of children's dignity, privacy and fundamental human rights, requiring urgent investigation, victim rehabilitation and prosecution of those responsible.

An emotional video of an 80-year-old man witnessing the sea for the first time has captured the hearts of social media users, with many describing it as a touching reminder that some dreams have no age limit.

The video, filmed at Chandrabhaga Beach near Konark in Odisha, was shared by the man's son, Srikant, who said it had always been his father's wish to see the ocean.

A Lifelong Dream Comes True

In the viral clip, the elderly man stands silently before the vast expanse of the sea, taking in the crashing waves and endless horizon for the first time in his life.

His expressions of surprise, joy and quiet admiration have resonated with viewers online. At one point, he is seen folding his hands in reverence towards the sea, a gesture that many users described as deeply moving.

The son recorded the moment to preserve what he called one of the most memorable experiences of their lives.

Video Shared on Instagram

The video was uploaded on Instagram by Srikant through his travel account, @bhukkhad_musafir.

In the post, he explained that his father had never had the opportunity to visit the sea despite being 80 years old. Wanting to fulfil that long-cherished wish, he brought him to Chandrabhaga Beach and documented his first reaction.

The clip quickly gained attention, with users praising the son's thoughtful gesture and the emotional bond between the two.

Social Media Reacts

The video has attracted thousands of views and comments, with many users saying the moment highlighted the importance of spending meaningful time with parents.

Several people shared similar personal stories about fulfilling their parents' long-pending wishes, while others said the video served as a reminder that happiness often comes from simple experiences rather than expensive gifts.

Many also appreciated the father's humility and emotional response to witnessing the ocean for the first time.

Simple Moments, Lasting Memories

The viral clip has struck a chord with audiences by illustrating how ordinary experiences can become extraordinary when shared with loved ones.

For many viewers, the father's quiet amazement before the sea symbolised the value of family, gratitude and the fulfilment of lifelong dreams, regardless of age.

 Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have registered an FIR against Meta India Head Arun Srinivas, along with several social media users, in connection with the circulation of allegedly AI-generated and morphed videos featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Facebook and Instagram.

The investigation aims to identify the origin of the videos, trace those responsible for creating and sharing the content, and determine whether the material was intended to mislead the public or violate provisions of the law.

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of artificial intelligence-generated content and the responsibility of social media platforms to prevent the spread of manipulated digital material.

Two Cases Registered in Hyderabad

According to police officials, two separate cases have been registered following complaints submitted by BJP workers. The FIRs have been filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.

Investigators have named the handlers of the social media accounts involved, while Meta India Head Arun Srinivas has been listed as a co-accused in both cases. Authorities clarified that the investigation is at a preliminary stage and no conclusions have been reached regarding individual liability.

Focus on AI Content Moderation

Cyber Crime Police are examining how the AI-generated videos were created, uploaded and circulated across Meta-owned platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

Officials are also reviewing the effectiveness of Meta's content moderation systems and safeguards designed to detect and remove manipulated or misleading AI-generated material. The inquiry seeks to determine whether existing mechanisms were adequate to prevent the videos from gaining traction online.

Police have issued notices to Meta seeking information related to the flagged content, platform policies and moderation processes.

Investigation Linked to Protest Videos

Preliminary findings suggest that the disputed videos began circulating around the time of a student demonstration held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Investigators are attempting to establish whether the edited clips originated from the protest and whether they were subsequently altered using artificial intelligence tools before being widely shared.

Police said efforts are underway to identify individuals behind the accounts involved and collect digital evidence as part of the investigation.

Meta Officials Respond to Notice

Sources familiar with the matter said Hyderabad Police had earlier summoned Meta representatives to explain the company's systems for identifying AI-generated scams, misleading advertisements and manipulated digital content.

Following the registration of the FIR, company representatives reportedly appeared before investigators and provided details regarding Meta's compliance measures and content moderation policies. The company has not issued an official public statement on the FIR.

Separate Zero FIR Registered in Noida

In a related development, Noida Police have registered a Zero FIR against a woman accused of using objectionable language against the Prime Minister during the Jantar Mantar protest.

The complaint was lodged by a Ghaziabad resident, following which a case was registered at the Expressway Police Station in Noida.

Police have invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to alleged acts affecting public order and defamation. The Zero FIR will be transferred to the jurisdictional police station for further investigation.

Government Tightens Focus on AI Content

The latest action comes as the Central Government continues to seek explanations from Meta regarding the temporary removal of one of the Prime Minister's official social media posts earlier this month. The company had attributed the incident to a technical issue involving its automated AI moderation system and subsequently restored the content.

Government officials have indicated that additional information has been sought from the platform regarding its AI-based moderation processes and safeguards against erroneous removals and manipulated content.

Growing Challenge of AI-Generated Deepfakes

Artificial intelligence and deepfake technology now make it possible to generate highly realistic videos by replicating an individual's facial expressions, voice and mannerisms. Such content can be difficult to distinguish from authentic footage and has increasingly raised concerns about misinformation, online fraud and reputational harm.

Experts say the rapid evolution of generative AI has intensified calls for stronger platform accountability, improved detection systems and greater public awareness about digitally manipulated content.

The surge began after Modi posted a late-night selfie-style video responding to the NEET paper leak controversy and the broader Cockroach Janta Party-led student movement, in which he acknowledged the distress paper leaks cause students and families, and said the government would pursue stricter measures, including fast-track courts for examination malpractice. The video reportedly gained close to a million followers overnight and racked up hundreds of millions of views. A follow-up video the next day, thanking young viewers for their suggestions, added roughly another 10 lakh followers and drew further massive engagement, though it also prompted pointed pushback online — CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke responded to the second video with a meme questioning the government's actual follow-through.

The momentum wasn't limited to Modi's own account. The BJP's official Instagram handle, with around 9.5 million followers, ramped up activity in parallel, posting a series of reels focused on examination paper leaks, including content highlighting alleged cases in Punjab. Newly appointed Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi also used Instagram to highlight the government's response to the NEET controversy, part of what's being described as a broader BJP digital outreach push during this period.

The milestone wasn't without a stumble. In the early hours of July 28, Facebook briefly restricted access to Modi's first selfie video addressing Gen Z protesters, with users seeing a message that the content was unavailable. Meta later said the removal was a mistake and restored the post, issuing an apology; sources indicated government officials were likely to summon Meta representatives for further explanation regardless.

Modi had already become the first serving world leader to cross 100 million Instagram followers earlier this year, holding a commanding lead over other global leaders — more than double the following of US President Donald Trump, whose 43.2 million followers trail Modi by a wide margin, with the combined total of the next five most-followed world leaders still falling short of Modi's individual count. He also holds over 106 million followers on X and around 54 million on Facebook, giving him one of the most extensive cross-platform digital footprints of any political leader globally.

BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut has sparked fresh controversy after criticising what she described as the mindset of some women from the younger generation. In a series of posts on Instagram Stories, Ranaut referred to them as "gutter chhaap", alleging that they associate freedom with drug use, alcohol consumption and multiple sexual relationships.

The actor claimed that some young women aspire to emulate financially independent and career-oriented women without earning that independence through responsibility and self-reliance.

'Freedom Must Be Earned'

In her social media post, Ranaut said that genuine independence comes with accountability and the ability to make one's own decisions without depending on family support.

She argued that independent women earn their freedom through hard work and accept responsibility for the consequences of their choices.

According to Ranaut, living independently without accountability creates what she described as "a distorted entity."

Remarks on the 'Gutter Generation'

Describing a section of the younger generation as the "Gutter Generation," Ranaut alleged that some young people contribute little to society while continuing to rely financially on their parents.

She further claimed that drug use, alcohol consumption and casual relationships are being wrongly portrayed as symbols of freedom by some members of Gen Z.

The actor's remarks have triggered reactions on social media, with supporters backing her views while critics accused her of making sweeping generalisations about an entire generation.

Comments on Student Protests

Ranaut also reiterated her criticism of recent student protests across the country.

Earlier this week, she questioned the conduct and language used by some protesters, saying videos from the demonstrations had left her "sick."

Referring to the recent Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over examination reforms, Ranaut said public issues should be debated inside Parliament rather than through protests on the streets.

She also criticised the language allegedly used during the demonstrations, describing the style of protest as inappropriate.

Debate Continues Online

The latest comments have once again placed Ranaut at the centre of political and social debate, with her remarks generating widespread discussion across social media platforms.

While some users supported her views on accountability and personal responsibility, others argued that her comments unfairly stereotyped an entire generation of young women.

As of now, there has been no response from any organisations representing the student protesters regarding Ranaut's latest remarks.