Instagram fuelling cow vigilantism in India: Report
Washington: A recent report has revealed that cow vigilantes in various Indian states use social media to promote extremist content, glorify anti-minority violence, and fundraise in violation of the social media platform’s community guidelines.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the report, titled Streaming Violence: How Instagram Fuels Cow Vigilantism in India, was published by US-based think tank Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH).
The report reveals that social media platform Instagram is fueling cow vigilantism in India by failing to remove posts that glorify violence and allowing vigilante groups to use the platform for fundraising.
The report highlighted a surge in mob lynchings targeting Muslims under the guise of cow protection since the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, came to power in 2014.
The study analyzed 1,023 Instagram accounts linked to hate and violence, finding that 30% of them shared videos of vigilantes assaulting individuals transporting cattle. 95% of these accounts operated from BJP-ruled states, with Haryana alone accounting for 320 accounts.
The report noted that Instagram reels showcasing violent acts, including brutal assaults and high-speed chases, received three times more views than non-violent posts, with some reels amassing over 100,000 plays. Despite reporting 167 violent posts to Instagram, the platform failed to take action, demonstrating a 100% inaction rate.
The think tank urged Meta, Instagram’s parent company, to classify cow vigilante groups as Tier-1 dangerous organizations and implement stricter measures to curb their influence and fundraising activities.
