The government is asking Meta to ensure that its recommendation systems do not expose users to a limited set of stories

The government has asked Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, to ensure that its recommendation systems do not result in “disproportionate exposure of users to a single or limited set of stories” and to strengthen controls on content that could cause a breach of public order or incite violence or other illegal activity.

In a recommendation from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) dated 10 October 2026, Meta was asked to take appropriate measures to provide adequate context in relation to photographs, videos, graphics or other content depicting ongoing public events, especially where the authenticity, date, place or circumstances of such content may not be readily apparent to users.

Although the intelligence report did not mention any specific incident leading to its release, it comes amid protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and opposition parties in Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

In PTI’s recommendation, Meta was also asked to review its recommendations and content rating mechanisms to ensure that potentially misleading, manipulated or ripped-off content is not disproportionately promoted or repeatedly recommended to users.

“…ensure that referral systems do not result in disproportionate exposure of users to a single or limited set of narratives, and seek to provide an appropriate diversity of relevant and credible information,” it said, while seeking to strengthen mechanisms to rapidly identify, review and escalate content that gains significant reach through referral systems and has the potential to cause widespread public confusion, public order violence or public order disruption.

When contacted, IT ministry sources said the ministry had reports from agencies that Meta platforms were not promoting all stories equally, with their algorithms apparently favoring one type of content over others.

In its recommendation, MeitY also told Meta to ensure timely cooperation with law enforcement and other authorized government authorities, including providing information or assistance in accordance with applicable laws and within the deadlines prescribed by the 2021 IT Rules.

The ministry noted that certain content related to ongoing public events was “prominently displayed and recommended to users” through platforms operated by Meta. Such content includes videos, images, statements and still graphics about public order and law and order situations.

The ministry said such material, if displayed without appropriate context or disproportionately amplified, “may contribute to public confusion, apprehension and disturbance of public order and public tranquility”.

Citing the Information Technology Act 2000, the counsel said that Meta, as an intermediary, must observe due diligence under the IT Rules 2021. These rules require intermediaries to inform users of prohibited information, including content that could cause a breach of public order or incite a cognizable offense related to public order.

MeitY has asked Meta to pay particular attention to content that presents old, unrelated, or selectively edited visuals as current events, and content with unverified or misleading claims about states of emergency, restrictions, police actions, or other official measures. It also flagged audiovisual material about public order situations without appropriate context, content that could incite violence or other illegal activity, and content that is disproportionately disseminated despite being potentially misleading.

The guidance outlined six specific demands on Meta, including measures to identify and address content under IT rules and review its recommendation and rating systems so that misleading, manipulated or ripped-off content is not “unduly amplified or repeatedly recommended to users”.

The ministry emphasized that its guidance is intended to facilitate the responsible dissemination and recommendation of information while respecting lawful expression and legitimate public discourse.

“Meta is advised to ensure that any action taken pursuant to this advisory complies with the Information Technology Act 2000, the IT Rules 2021 and other applicable laws,” the company said.

The social media giant has been advised to take the necessary measures “with immediate effect” and inform the ministry of the measures taken.

Apar Gupta, founding director of the Internet Freedom Foundation, a digital rights advocacy group, said that while the recommendation is not legally binding, it amounts to a “continuing directive on censorship.”

MeitY must withdraw the recommendation immediately, and the Meta must publicize every stop and every act of downgrade made under it, he said.

“Even this notice, which contains phrases like content ‘without adequate context’ and a period of ‘increased public order sensitivity’, is not bound by any provision of the IT Act or the IT Rules,” he said.

Published – 19 Oct 2026 13:11 IST