Meta blocks Environmental Reporting Collective’s Instagram reel on Google’s AI data center in Andhra Pradesh
Summary
Meta restricted access in India to a viral two-minute Instagram reel by the Environmental Reporting Collective that documents villagers alleging coercive land acquisition for Google’s planned AI data center near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. ERC says Meta removed the reel without providing a legal basis or policy rationale after it had reached about 2.6 million views and condemns the lack of transparency. Google plans a 1-GW hyperscale AI data centre on 601.4 acres with a reported $15 billion investment (2026–2030) and partners including AdaniConneX and Airtel. The article situates the takedown amid broader Indian debates on online takedowns and free speech, citing recent Madras High Court statements on proportionality and the need for recorded reasons for blocking content.
Classifications
AskAI Classifications
LabelsLinked Companies
