India's MeitY urges Meta to curb recommendation of law-order content
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has asked Meta to modify its recommendation algorithms to prevent the amplification of law-and-order posts that could spark public confusion or disorder.
The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a specific advisory to Meta, directing the firm to adjust its feed and recommendation systems that are highlighting law-and-order material without sufficient context. The notice, dated October 10, asks Meta to act swiftly, diversify the narratives shown to users, and supply the ministry with a report on the measures implemented. It also outlines six concrete steps, including tighter identification of potentially misleading content and faster escalation of posts gaining wide reach.
The advisory follows a broader October 8 notice to all social media firms to prioritize government complaints about public-order risks. Critics from the Internet Freedom Foundation argue the guidance, though not legally binding, effectively imposes censorship on protest-related content. Meta has not responded to requests for comment.
Why it matters
The directive could shape how Indian users see political content online and affect free-speech protections.
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