In a move that has triggered intense debate, Meta blocks Muslim news page on Instagram in India, citing a legal request by the Indian government. The popular handle @Muslim, boasting a massive 6.7 million followers, has been rendered inaccessible to users across India. The sudden takedown of such a prominent voice has sparked concerns over freedom of expression, digital rights, and escalating censorship in South Asia.

@Muslim: A Voice for the Global Muslim Community

Founded by Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh, the @Muslim account is known for its sharp coverage of issues affecting Muslims globally. With over 6.7 million followers, the page has grown into one of the most followed Muslim news platforms on Instagram. Its content often highlights underrepresented voices, global injustices, and news updates related to the Muslim world.

But now, Indian users who try to access the page are met with a stark message:
“Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”

This message, while vague, reflects Meta’s global policy of complying with local laws — even when those laws come into conflict with broader human rights concerns.

The Founder Speaks Out

Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh didn’t mince words in his reaction, calling the ban “pure censorship.” He shared his disappointment and frustration after receiving hundreds of messages from Indian followers who could no longer access the content.

“Meta has blocked the @Muslim account by legal request of the Indian government. This is censorship,” he stated publicly.

He emphasized that when platforms and governments attempt to silence independent media, it often indicates that those platforms are indeed making an impact by holding power to account. Al-Khatahtbeh also called on Meta to restore access in India and vowed to continue reporting the truth regardless of such obstacles.

Meta’s Silence and Global Policy

Meta declined to comment directly on the matter. Instead, it pointed to its standard policy page, which explains that content may be restricted if it violates local laws in a particular country. However, this explanation has not calmed growing concerns that platforms like Instagram are becoming complicit in political censorship.

The tech company has previously faced criticism for removing or restricting content that challenges government narratives in several countries, not just India.

Escalating Media Restrictions in India

The decision to block @Muslim isn’t an isolated incident. It follows a broader pattern of media restrictions in India, particularly amid rising tensions with Pakistan. In recent weeks, the Indian government has:

• Blocked social media profiles of Pakistani celebrities including Imran Khan, Fawad Khan, and Atif Aslam.
• Banned several Pakistani YouTube channels accused of sharing “provocative content.”
• Limited access to the Instagram accounts of prominent Pakistani cricketers like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and legends such as Shahid Afridi and Wasim Akram.

These moves appear to be part of a concerted effort to control narratives and minimize Pakistani cultural influence on Indian digital platforms.

Global Concerns Over Freedom of Speech

Human rights advocates and digital freedom organizations have expressed growing concern over such actions. When large platforms like Meta comply too easily with government requests, especially in politically charged contexts, it raises serious questions about the future of free expression online.

The case of @Muslim’s removal demonstrates the fragile nature of digital platforms that claim to be global but often yield to local political pressures.

What’s Next?

As Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh continues to campaign for the reinstatement of his account in India, his message is clear:

“We will continue to document the truth and stand firmly for justice.”

This incident serves as a wake-up call about the role tech giants play in shaping access to information. When Meta blocks Muslim news page due to government pressure, it becomes more than a local issue — it becomes a global concern about the intersection of politics, technology, and press freedom.