Published Oct 02, 2026 | 4:51 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 02, 2026 | 4:57 PM
NOCAP said Meta, Facebook’s parent company, did not specify the reason for the blocking.
Synopsis: Facebook has blocked the official page of Malayalam digital media outlet NOCAP following a directive under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, cited “unlawful activity” for the takedown but did not specify a reason, according to NOCAP. Keralam Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the UDF government was behind the action and accused it of suppressing press freedom.
Social media platform Facebook has blocked the official page of Kerala-based independent Malayalam digital media outlet NOCAP in India for “unlawful activity”, following a directive issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Under the provision, read with Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, such a notice can be issued by the appropriate Union or state government, or by an officer or agency authorised by it. The URL of the page currently displays a message stating that the site is not available in India, in compliance with “a legal request to restrict this content”.
Statement from NOCAP
NOCAP said Meta, Facebook’s parent company, did not specify the reason for the blocking. Executive editor Ali Hyder said the action came amid growing concerns over attempts to restrict media organisations and digital platforms critical of the government.
This is the second action against NOCAP this year. In February, Meta blocked its Instagram account along with that of Malayalam daily Deshabhimani. Both organisations later created new Instagram handles.
Leader of Opposition in legislative assembly Pinarayi Vijayan accused the UDF government in the state of attempting to suppress freedom of expression.
In a statement, Vijayan accused the government of showing “extreme intolerance” towards criticism and media freedom. He alleged that the crackdown on dissent seen at the Centre was being replicated in Keralam.
He said attempts to silence dissenting voices evoked memories of the Emergency and asserted that criticism of the government was part of the media’s duty.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
