The Centre has asked Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to review its recommendation algorithms so users are not exposed to a single or limited set of narratives.

In an advisory dated October 10, reported on October 19, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said: "Ensure that recommendation systems do not result in disproportionate exposure of users to a single or limited set of narratives, and endeavour to provide appropriate diversity of relevant and credible information."

The ministry asked Meta to strengthen mechanisms for rapid identification, review and escalation of content gaining significant reach through recommendations that could cause widespread public confusion, apprehension, violence or disturbance of public order. It flagged old, unrelated or selectively edited visuals presented as current events, and unverified claims about emergencies, restrictions or police action, and asked that public-event content carry adequate context.

Meta was also asked to cooperate in a timely manner with law enforcement under the IT Rules, 2021, implement the measures with immediate effect and report the action taken. IT Ministry sources said agencies had reported that Meta's algorithms appeared to favour one kind of content over others.

The advisory does not name a specific incident; PTI reported it comes amid protests in Delhi demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Digital rights advocate Apar Gupta criticised the advisory's legal basis and its implications for lawful expression, according to Inc42.

Sources: PTI via The Hindu BusinessLine; Inc42; Exchange4Media.