The Centre has directed Meta to closely examine the recommendation systems utilized by Facebook and Instagram, particularly during critical public-order situations and high-profile political developments. The government issued a formal warning cautioning the company against letting its algorithms amplify misleading posts, manipulated visuals, or heavily biased accounts of unfolding events.
In an official advisory dated October 10, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology instructed Meta to reinforce content checks and ensure that users are not continuously funneled into narrow narrative loops. Furthermore, the ministry demanded more rapid responses regarding digital material capable of inciting confusion, undermining law and order, or encouraging violence.
While the directive does not single out a specific catalyst, it follows recent demonstrations in Delhi organized by the Cockroach Janta Party and opposition groups demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Authorities expressed deep apprehension regarding how recommendation engines handle algorithmic visibility. For example, outdated video footage from past events can easily be misconstrued as breaking news when context or timelines are missing. Similarly, unverified assertions concerning emergency protocols, restrictions, or law enforcement responses risk going viral before truth or accuracy can be verified.
MeitY urged Meta to carefully evaluate how ranking systems process potentially deceptive content, ensuring that unrelated or fabricated visuals do not secure widespread exposure. The advisory also mandates that clear context accompany photographs, videos, and graphics portraying ongoing events when their origins remain ambiguous.
Meta has been instructed to upgrade its identification and review protocols for high-visibility posts driven by recommendation algorithms. Content threatening widespread unrest requires prompt scrutiny, and the firm must collaborate fully with law enforcement and authorized government bodies under existing legal frameworks.
The directive additionally emphasizes the importance of pluralistic information access, urging that algorithmic feeds provide credible and relevant content rather than trapping users in limited viewpoints. At the same time, the administration noted that measures against harmful material should avoid stifling lawful civic discourse, requesting that Meta evaluate internal policies to balance compliance with freedom of expression.
Invoking statutory obligations under the Information Technology Act of 2000 and the subsequent Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules of 2021, MeitY instructed Meta to enact these compliance measures immediately and report back on all implemented actions.