MediaOne TV approaches Kerala HC after Facebook blocks page in India

Prominent Malayalam news channel MediaOne TV has moved the Kerala High Court against the blocking of its Facebook page, arguing that the move was arbitrary and violated both Supreme Court rulings and the Information Technology Act.

In its petition, the channel stated that its Facebook page was restricted on Friday, with access specifically blocked for users in India. It contended that no particular post or violation was identified to justify the action.

While acknowledging that Facebook can remove content either under its policies or based on legal directives, the channel argued that such authority does not extend to blocking an entire page, Maktoob Media reported.

MediaOne further said that the only explanation it received from Facebook was that the restriction had been implemented following a request from law enforcement authorities or the Union government.

The channel subsequently approached the High Court seeking relief against the restriction. It also noted that although access to the page is blocked within India, it remains available outside the country, and administrative activities like posting content are still functional.

The petition also referred to an earlier instance in January 2022 when the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting banned the channel from broadcasting, citing national security concerns and the denial of security clearance by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

However, in April 2023, the Supreme Court of India set aside that ban, stating that claims of national security must be backed by evidence and that criticism of government policies cannot, by itself, be treated as anti-national.