Centre Asks Meta to Review Facebook, Instagram Algorithms Over Public Order Concerns

Old visuals, edited clips and misleading claims about police action: see what MeitY wants Meta to watch for

October 19, 2026

“Single or Limited Set of Narratives”: Government Flags Meta’s Recommendation Systems

The government has asked Meta to take a fresh look at how Facebook and Instagram recommend content, saying the platforms should not push users toward a narrow set of views or amplify misleading material that could disturb public order.

What the advisory says

In an advisory issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Meta has been asked to ensure that its recommendation systems do not result in “disproportionate exposure of users to a single or limited set of narratives.” The advisory also wants the company to offer a reasonable diversity of relevant and credible information.

The ministry has set out six specific asks. Among them, Meta must review its ranking and recommendation mechanisms so that potentially misleading, manipulated or out-of-context content is not repeatedly recommended or disproportionately amplified. It must also strengthen the way it quickly identifies, reviews and escalates content that gains significant reach through these systems and could cause widespread confusion, apprehension, violence or a disturbance of public order.

Content in focus

MeitY asked Meta to pay special attention to two types of material. The first is old, unrelated or selectively edited visuals presented as current events. The second is unverified or misleading claims about emergencies, restrictions, police action or other official measures. The ministry also wants Meta to provide context with content connected to ongoing public events.

The legal basis

The advisory cites the Information Technology Act, 2000, and says Meta must follow the due diligence requirements under the IT Rules, 2021. Under those rules, intermediaries must inform users about prohibited content, including material likely to cause public disorder or incite a cognisable offence relating to public order.

Government: “Not about curbing lawful expression”

The ministry stressed that the advisory is meant to promote responsible circulation and recommendation of information while respecting lawful expression and legitimate public discourse.

Concerns from digital rights groups

The move comes at a time of protests in the capital demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Digital rights advocates have raised concerns that the advisory could lead to censorship.

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