In a move that has ignited widespread concern over censorship and digital freedom, Meta has blocked access to the prominent Instagram news page @Muslim in India, following a legal request from the Indian government. The decision, described by the account’s founder as “censorship,” comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
With over 6.7 million followers, @Muslim has become a trusted news source for many, especially for stories impacting Muslim communities worldwide. However, Instagram users in India were recently met with a blunt message:
“Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh, founder and editor-in-chief of the page, shared his deep disappointment:
“I received hundreds of messages, emails, and comments from our Indian followers saying they couldn’t see our content anymore. Meta blocked our account in India under legal pressure from the government. This is censorship, plain and simple.”
Meta declined to comment directly on the matter, instead referring to its policy of restricting content when governments argue it violates local laws.
This restriction comes amid one of the most volatile periods in Indo-Pak relations in two decades. Deadly missile strikes, cross-border shelling, and the deaths of at least 43 people have intensified hostilities. New Delhi has accused Islamabad of backing a terrorist attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir—charges Pakistan denies, vowing retaliation for Indian airstrikes.
Adding to the growing unease, India has also reportedly blocked social media accounts of various Pakistani celebrities and athletes, signaling a broader clampdown on digital voices.
For Khatahtbeh and many of @Muslim’s supporters, the restriction is not just a technical issue—it’s a blow to press freedom and the right to access information.
“When platforms and governments silence media voices, especially during times of conflict, it means we’re doing our job—holding power to account,” he said. “We will not stop. We will continue to speak truth and stand for justice.”
He ended with a heartfelt message to Indian followers:
“I’m sorry you can’t access our page right now. But know this—we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you.”
