MeitY Directs Meta To Review Algorithms Over Misleading Content, Public Order Concerns

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has asked Meta to review how Facebook and Instagram recommend content, cautioning against algorithms that disproportionately expose users to a limited set of narratives.

The ministry has also called for stronger safeguards against misleading or manipulated material related to public events that could cause confusion, incite violence or disrupt public order.

In an advisory dated October 10, MeitY asked Meta to provide adequate context for photographs, videos, graphics and other material depicting ongoing events, particularly when users cannot readily verify their authenticity, date, location or circumstances. The company has been asked to implement the measures with immediate effect and inform the ministry of the action taken.

Also Read | Layoffs Are Rising In Tech, But These Skills Are Helping People Unlock Better Pay

Also Read | Meta AI: Zuckerberg Rejects Calls To Slow Development, Backs More Investment

The advisory does not identify a specific incident that prompted the move. However, it comes amid protests in Delhi by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and opposition parties demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

According to the advisory, Meta should review its recommendation and content-ranking systems to prevent potentially misleading, manipulated or out-of-context material from being disproportionately amplified or repeatedly recommended to users. The ministry has also called for greater diversity in recommended information, emphasising the need to avoid excessive exposure to a narrow range of narratives.

PTI reported that MeitY had received reports from agencies suggesting Meta's platforms were not promoting different narratives equally, with their algorithms appearing to favour certain types of content over others.

The advisory flagged old or unrelated visuals presented as current events, selectively edited footage, unverified claims about emergencies or police action, and audio-visual material on law-and-order situations that lacks adequate context.

MeitY has also asked Meta to strengthen mechanisms for quickly identifying, reviewing and escalating widely circulated content that could contribute to public confusion, apprehension, violence or disruption of public order.

Also Read | Meta Removes 5.3 Million Pieces Of Child Abuse Content In India In 2026; Direct I4C Reporting Begins

The company has been directed to cooperate promptly with law enforcement agencies and other authorised government bodies, providing information or assistance in accordance with applicable laws and timelines.

The advisory invokes the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021, which prescribe due diligence obligations for intermediaries, including informing users about prohibited content that could incite violence or cause public disorder.

MeitY said the measures are intended to encourage responsible content distribution while respecting lawful expression and legitimate public discourse. It added that any action taken by Meta must comply with applicable laws.

(With PTI inputs.)

Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.