India Asks Meta to Diversify Content Algorithms

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has asked Meta Platforms to adjust its algorithms on Facebook and Instagram, directing the company to prevent the disproportionate promotion of a limited range of narratives to users. The advisory, dated October 10, also urged Meta to "endeavor to provide appropriate diversity of relevant and credible information."

Sources within MeitY indicated to the press that government agencies had reported observations of Meta's algorithms appearing to favor certain types of content over others. The directive was issued on the same day that the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held protests in Delhi, calling for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. The advisory is not publicly available but requires immediate compliance.

The directive specifically asks Meta to stop "disproportionately amplifying or repeatedly recommending" misleading or out-of-context content. It also mandates prompt cooperation with law enforcement and requires platforms to quickly identify and review content gaining significant reach that could potentially cause public confusion or disorder.

Furthermore, Meta is instructed to add context to photos and videos of ongoing public events where details such as date, location, or authenticity are unclear. MeitY stated it had observed certain content related to public events being prominently displayed and recommended, including unverified claims about police actions and old or edited visuals presented as current.

However, the advisory has drawn criticism from digital rights advocates. Apar Gupta, founding director of the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), described the directive as legally non-binding but a "continuing censorship directive." He noted that the advisory is not tied to specific provisions within India's IT Act or Rules and called for its withdrawal by MeitY, with Meta urged to disclose any actions taken under it.