The Centre has issued a directive to Meta, urging the company to reassess the recommendations made by its platforms, Facebook and Instagram. This advisory, dated October 10, 2026, highlights the need for careful scrutiny of content, especially during politically charged situations and public-order events. The government has expressed concerns about the potential for misleading posts, manipulated visuals, and biased narratives gaining undue prominence through algorithmic recommendations.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has emphasised the importance of ensuring that users are not repeatedly exposed to a narrow range of perspectives. The advisory calls for Meta to enhance its checks on recommended content to prevent the dissemination of information that could create public confusion or incite unrest. The directive does not specify any particular incident prompting this warning.

However, it coincides with ongoing protests in Delhi led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other opposition groups. MeitY has urged Meta to take immediate action against content that could mislead users, especially during times of heightened sensitivity. The ministry’s advisory reflects a broader concern about the impact of social media on public discourse and the potential for misinformation to disrupt societal harmony.

Concerns Over Misleading Content and Visibility

The government is particularly worried about how recommendation algorithms can amplify misleading content. Instances have been noted where older videos are misinterpreted as current events due to a lack of clarity regarding their date and context. This ambiguity can lead to the spread of unverified claims about emergency measures or police actions, which may further exacerbate public anxiety.

MeitY has requested that Meta closely monitor the nature of content being recommended, especially during critical periods. The advisory stresses the need for the company to evaluate its ranking systems to ensure that misleading or irrelevant visuals do not receive excessive visibility. Additionally, it calls for appropriate context to accompany images and videos related to ongoing events, particularly when their origins might be ambiguous.

In light of these concerns, the ministry has directed Meta to enhance its processes for identifying and reviewing posts that attract significant attention. Content that has the potential to incite confusion or unrest should be scrutinised promptly. The government expects Meta to collaborate with relevant authorities and law enforcement agencies in accordance with applicable laws.

Meta’s Obligations and Required Actions

The advisory outlines Meta’s responsibilities under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The government has instructed the company to implement necessary measures without delay and to report back on the actions taken to address these concerns.

MeitY has also highlighted the importance of providing users with a diverse range of information rather than a limited set of viewpoints. The recommendation systems should facilitate access to credible and relevant content while ensuring that lawful public discussions are not unduly restricted. This balance is crucial for maintaining an open dialogue within the digital space.

In conclusion, the government has called upon Meta to review its internal policies and processes to effectively manage unlawful or misleading content. The aim is to foster an environment that allows for legitimate civic debate while simultaneously addressing the challenges posed by misinformation on social media platforms.

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