Instagram blocks posts on pellet gun victims in Kashmir

Instagram has restricted posts from Indian news outlets The Hindu and Scroll that reported on victims of pellet gun violence in Kashmir, citing "legal requirements" under India's Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules.

The latest restriction affected a post by The Hindu featuring its report on Insha Mushtaq, who was allegedly blinded by security forces firing pellet guns during the 2016 Kashmir protests. According to The Hindu, Instagram displayed a notice stating it had restricted access to the content pursuant to India's IT Rules, without providing further explanation.

Scroll reported that Instagram blocked two of its posts on August 6 linked to its report on the lack of compensation for pellet gun victims. This marks the fourth instance since June that Instagram has restricted the publication's content in India, according to Scroll.

Meta, Instagram's parent company, has strengthened its content restriction system in India. Under recent amendments to the IT Rules, authorities can enforce takedown requests almost instantly. Content reportedly remains restricted even if Meta later determines the original request may not be legally valid, unless the government issues a separate order restoring access.