Centre asks Meta to review content recommendation systems to prevent public disorder
MeitY directs Meta to ensure its algorithms do not amplify misleading posts or trigger law and order issues.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has directed social media giant Meta to overhaul its content recommendation and ranking systems across Facebook and Instagram to prevent the viral spread of misleading posts and protect public order.
In a formal advisory issued on 10 October, the government instructed Meta to ensure its automated recommendation algorithms do not expose users disproportionately to a single or limited set of narratives. Instead, the platform must actively work to provide a diverse range of relevant and credible information, particularly during sensitive public events.
Unlike a general advisory issued to all social media intermediaries two days earlier, this directive was issued specifically to Meta. The ministry has instructed the company to act with immediate effect and formally apprise the government of the corrective measures it undertakes.
Key directives issued to Meta
The ministry set out six specific requirements for Meta to ensure compliance with its due diligence obligations under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021:
| Measure | Directive for Meta |
|---|---|
| Content filtering | Identify and address content inciting violence or unlawful activity under IT Rules |
| Algorithm review | Prevent disproportionate amplification of misleading or out-of-context posts |
| Contextual clarity | Add context, location, and dates to visual media depicting ongoing events |
| Narrative diversity | Ensure recommendation systems do not limit users to narrow single narratives |
| Rapid escalation | Strengthen internal review systems to quickly catch viral, high-reach posts |
| Agency cooperation | Provide timely information and assistance to law enforcement agencies |
Safeguarding public tranquillity
The ministry noted that certain audio-visual materials, static graphics, and unverified statements regarding ongoing developments were being prominently pushed through Meta's algorithmic feeds. When presented without proper context or heavily boosted by recommendation engines, such posts risk creating widespread confusion and apprehension among the public.
To maintain public order, the government highlighted five specific categories of content that require heightened diligence from Meta:
- Old or selectively edited visuals presented as current developments.
- Unverified or misleading claims regarding emergencies, restrictions, or police operations.
- Audio-visual material depicting law-and-order situations without adequate background details.
- Content likely to incite violence or unlawful activities.
- Misleading posts that gain disproportionate reach through automated recommendations.
By requiring Meta to strengthen its rapid escalation mechanisms and cooperate strictly within the timelines set by the IT Rules, 2021, the government is reinforcing responsible digital governance to maintain peace and ensure citizens receive verified information.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Date of MeitY advisory to Meta | 10 October | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |
| Action required by Meta | Immediate effect with compliance report to MeitY | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |
| Number of key operational directives | 6 | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Meta | Parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recipient of the MeitY advisory. |
| Photo and video platform whose feed and recommendations must comply with the advisory. | |
| Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology | Issued the official advisory directing Meta to review its recommendation systems. |
| Social platform whose recommendation algorithm is subject to MeitY review. |
