The advisory by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), dated October 10, 2026, asked Meta to undertake appropriate measures to provide adequate context in relation to photographs, videos, graphics or other content depicting ongoing public events, particularly where the authenticity, date, location or circumstances of such content may not be readily apparent to users.
In its advisory, MeitY also told Meta to ensure timely cooperation with law enforcement and other authorised government agencies, including furnishing information or assistance in accordance with applicable law and within the timelines prescribed under the IT Rules, 2021. Citing the Information Technology Act, 2000, the advisory said Meta, as an intermediary, must observe due diligence under the IT Rules, 2021. 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 Although the advisory does not identify any specific incident that prompted its issuance. Such content includes videos, images, statements and static graphics on public-order and law-and-order situations. These rules require intermediaries to inform users about prohibited information, including content likely to cause public disorder or incite a cognisable offence relating to public order.
“…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,” it said, while seeking the strengthening of mechanisms for rapid identification, review and escalation of content which is gaining significant reach through recommendation systems and has the potential to cause widespread public confusion, apprehension, violence or disturbance of public order. When contacted, IT Ministry sources said the Ministry had reports from agencies that Meta platforms were not promoting all narratives equally, with their algorithms appearing to favour one kind of content over others. It said the Ministry had noticed that certain content relating to ongoing public events was being “prominently displayed and recommended to users” through platforms operated by Meta. The Ministry said such material, when shown without adequate context or amplified disproportionately, “may contribute to public confusion, apprehension and disturbance of public order and social tranquillity.
