Are Instagram accounts being shut down due to fake copyright complaints? Here are the facts.

Instagram Copyright Strike Extortion Network: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking an SIT (Special Investigation Team) probe into an alleged extortion network operating on Instagram.

Instagram Copyright Strike Extortion Network: A PIL has been filed in the Delhi High Court demanding an investigation into an alleged cyber-extortion network active on Instagram. The petition states that this network is targeting content creators by misusing Instagram's copyright system. It calls for the formation of a Special Investigation Team to investigate this network. The petition was filed by content creator Nitin Joshi, who alleges that fake copyright strikes are issued against Instagram accounts, leading to their closure. Money is then demanded to withdraw the strikes. Let us understand the details of this matter.

What is the issue?

The petitioner claims that an organized network is misusing Instagram's copyright reporting system. This network targets specific Instagram accounts using bot accounts. These accounts file complaints regarding copyright infringement. This triggers Instagram's automated enforcement process, resulting in actions ranging from suspension to the disabling of the account without prior notice or verification.

Money demanded to withdraw strikes.

The petition states that once an Instagram account is suspended or disabled, the network contacts the content creator. The network then demands a hefty sum to withdraw the copyright complaint. The petitioner's lawyer explained that this is an emerging form of cybercrime where Meta's copyright enforcement mechanism is being exploited for extortion.

Petitioner cites his own case.

Petitioner Joshi stated that he had published a video titled "Instagram's Biggest Copyright Scam." Subsequently, several other creators shared evidence of similar fraudulent complaints with him. Joshi alleged that shortly after his video was published, it was blocked worldwide due to a copyright complaint. This highlights how Meta's reporting mechanism is being misused. The petitioner has demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the entire matter. The hearing was originally scheduled for July 15, but following the recusal of a judge, the matter will now be heard on July 28.