Meta blocks Malayalam digital media NOCAP’s Facebook page after notice from Union govt

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Meta India has banned the Facebook page of NOCAP, an independent Malayalam digital media organisation in Kerala. According to NOCAP, Meta has explained that the action was taken based on a Union government notice, citing “unlawful activity.”

The page was blocked following a government notice to Meta under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Ali Hyder, the executive editor of NOCAP, said neither Meta nor the government has so far provided a clear explanation as to which specific content published by NOCAP was deemed “unlawful.”

Ali Hyder added that attempts are being made in Kerala to control media organisations and digital platforms that raise voices of dissent against the government through various means. “In this context, the action against NOCAP must be examined seriously,” he said.

“NOCAP seeks to use journalism to uphold constitutional values and remain firmly rooted in democratic and secular principles. How can journalism that questions the wrongful tendencies of governments and holds those in power accountable be considered unlawful?” a NOCAP press release notes.

The press note also mentioned that a restriction imposed on the voice of one media organisation today must not become a precursor to tampering with the freedom of expression of every citizen tomorrow.

This is not the first time that Meta has blocked NOCAP. Earlier in February this year, Meta blocked the Instagram account of NOCAP along with the Malayalam newspaper Deshabhimani, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Following the block, both media outlets began new Instagram handles.