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Delhi HC Examines Meta Copyright Loophole Used to Extort Digital Content Creators

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
18 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:36 copyright strikes2.8 million Instagram followersRs 55,000Rs 60,000Rs 1,15,000Rs 2 lakh
Bodies:Delhi High CourtMeta
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Scammers use Facebook's 'Edit Post' feature to backdate a creator's original video and claim prior ownership via Meta's automated Rights Manager, triggering copyright strikes.

2.Victims include Pushkar Raj Thakur (2.8M Instagram followers, 36 strikes), Neeraj Joshi (7.5M combined followers, account deactivated), and Mohammed Nawaz Shaikh (paid Rs 55,000 and Rs 60,000 to restore account).

3.A PIL filed by Nitin Joshi challenges IT Rules 2021 provisions allowing account suspension without prior notice, arguing violation of right to fair hearing and livelihood; Delhi HC recorded Meta's assurance to preserve accounts.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

Cybercriminals are exploiting a loophole in Meta's copyright enforcement system to backdate videos and file fraudulent strikes, leading to account suspensions and extortion. Multiple prominent content creators approached the Delhi High Court, which has sought Meta's assurance and is examining the constitutional validity of IT Rules 2021 provisions that allow suspension without notice.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Pushkar Raj Thakur - Instagram Followers2.8 million
Copyright Strikes on Thakur36
Extortion Paid by Shaikh (Total)Rs 1,15,000 (Rs 55,000 + Rs 60,000)
Damages Claimed per CreatorRs 2 crore each
IT Rules ChallengedIT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Pushkar Raj Thakur - Instagram Followers: 2.8 million
  • ›Copyright Strikes on Thakur: 36
  • ›Target this Data: Pushkar Raj Thakur faced 36 fraudulent copyright strikes and has 2.8 million Instagram followers.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Delhi High Court (heard suits by Thakur, Neeraj Joshi, Shaikh, and PIL by Nitin Joshi).
  • ›Target this Legal Point: IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 – provisions allowing account suspension without prior notice challenged as unconstitutional.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which High Court heard the petitions of digital content creators regarding fraudulent copyright strikes and extortion?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements:

1. Pushkar Raj Thakur has 2.8 million Instagram followers and faced 36 fraudulent copyright strikes.

2. Scammers exploited Facebook's mobile version to backdate videos and trigger copyright strikes.

3. Nitin Joshi filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the constitution of a Special Investigation Team.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What was the total amount Mohammed Nawaz Shaikh paid to scammers to remove fraudulent copyright strikes?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary constitutional issue raised in Nitin Joshi's PIL against the IT Rules 2021?

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