IT Ministry Directs Meta to Overhaul Algorithms, Submit Roadmap to Curb Deepfakes
New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, to overhaul its algorithms and present a compliance roadmap aimed at curbing deepfakes, propaganda and other manipulated or illegal content on its platforms.
The directive was issued during recent discussions between MeitY officials and Meta, according to sources cited by ANI. The government has expressed concern over the spread of synthetic and manipulated content online and has sought specific algorithmic changes to restrict the reach and amplification of such material.
Officials have asked the social media giant to strengthen its content moderation systems and respond more quickly to takedown requests from authorised government agencies. MeitY has also sought greater compliance with data-localisation requirements and closer cooperation with government agencies to speed up the identification and removal of deepfakes, morphed images and misleading posts.
During a meeting with MeitY officials on Friday, Meta's technical team outlined how the company currently detects and handles harmful content. However, officials pressed for more concrete changes to the algorithms that govern content distribution and demanded a clear compliance roadmap from the company. Both sides agreed to continue discussions, with another meeting expected next week, according to ANI.
The discussions follow a period of heightened scrutiny of Meta by Indian authorities over issues including deepfakes and Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg had earlier apologised for errors related to CSAM and deepfake content after concerns were raised by the Indian government.
India has been tightening its regulatory framework for artificially generated content. Earlier this year, the government amended the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, introducing additional due-diligence obligations for online intermediaries and seeking greater accountability for AI-generated and manipulated content.
The development underscores the growing regulatory pressure on major technology companies operating in India to ensure their platforms are not used to spread harmful or deceptive material. It also highlights the challenges platforms face in keeping pace with the rapid evolution of synthetic media technologies.
MeitY's latest directive is part of a broader effort to enforce compliance with India's IT rules and protect the integrity of online discourse. The government has consistently emphasised the need for platforms to act decisively against content that threatens public order, security or the sovereignty and integrity of India.
Meta has not yet publicly commented on the specific directives from MeitY. The company has previously stated its commitment to removing harmful content and cooperating with law enforcement agencies within the legal framework of the countries where it operates.
The next meeting between MeitY officials and Meta is expected to focus on the technical and procedural measures that Meta will implement to address the government's concerns. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for how other social media platforms are regulated in India with respect to AI-generated content.
