CJP protest effect: Govt issues warning to Meta, fix your algorithm

The Centre has asked Meta to review how Facebook and Instagram recommend content, warning against algorithms that amplify misleading posts or expose users to limited narratives. The October 10 advisory also calls for faster action on content that could disturb public order.

In Short

• Govt asks Meta to review its content recommendation algorithms
• Advisory flags misleading videos, manipulated visuals and unverified claims
• Meta must take corrective steps immediately and inform the government

The Centre wants Meta to take a closer look at what Facebook and Instagram recommend to users, particularly when political developments and public-order situations dominate the news. The government has warned the company against allowing its algorithms to give misleading posts, manipulated visuals or one-sided accounts of events excessive visibility.

In an advisory dated October 10, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) asked Meta to strengthen its checks on recommended content and ensure users are not repeatedly shown a narrow set of narratives. The ministry has also called for quicker action on material that could create public confusion, disturb law and order or encourage violence.

The advisory does not name a particular incident behind the directive. However, it comes amid protests in Delhi by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and opposition parties seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Old videos and misleading claims under scrutiny

The government is concerned about how content gains visibility when recommendation algorithms push it to large numbers of users. A video from an earlier incident, for instance, could be mistaken for footage of a current event if its date and location are unclear. Similarly, unverified claims about emergency measures, restrictions or police action could spread without users knowing whether the information is accurate.

MeitY wants Meta to pay closer attention to such material, particularly during periods of heightened public sensitivity. It has asked the company to examine how its ranking systems handle potentially misleading content and prevent manipulated or unrelated visuals from receiving repeated recommendations.

The advisory also calls for suitable context to accompany photographs, videos and graphics depicting ongoing events when their origin or circumstances may not be clear.

Meta must report steps taken to government

The ministry has asked Meta to improve how it identifies and reviews posts that attract significant attention through its recommendation systems. Content that could lead to widespread confusion or unrest should receive timely scrutiny, while the company must cooperate with authorised government agencies and law enforcement in line with applicable laws.

The directive also addresses concerns about the range of information users encounter on the platforms. MeitY wants recommendation systems to offer users access to relevant and credible information instead of disproportionately exposing them to a limited set of viewpoints.

At the same time, the government has said that action against harmful material should not unnecessarily curb lawful public discussion. Meta has been asked to review its policies and internal processes to address unlawful or misleading content while allowing legitimate civic debate to continue.

The advisory refers to the company's obligations under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. MeitY has directed Meta to take the necessary steps with immediate effect and inform the ministry about the measures it has implemented.

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