Instagram restrictions on Satish Acharya in India

Indian political cartoonist Satish Acharya has faced repeated restrictions on his Instagram account within India. In late September 2026, Instagram restricted Acharya’s account following a legal request from the Indian government, citing compliance with the Information Technology Rules, 2021. The platform noted the decision followed a legal and human rights assessment. The restrictions occurred after Acharya published cartoons criticizing the Election Commission regarding electoral roll revisions.

By late October 2026, Acharya’s profile was temporarily blocked in India for a second time in three weeks. Acharya reported that his work appeared inaccessible to Indian users due to local information technology regulations. This incident follows similar restrictions placed on other artists, such as the caricaturist Manjul, for content criticizing the Election Commission. While the Indian government maintains these regulations are necessary to combat illegal content, free speech advocates and artists have expressed concern that the measures are being utilized to suppress political satire.