MeitY asks Meta to revamp algorithms, submit compliance roadmap to curb deepfakes, propaganda

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has asked Meta to revamp its algorithms and submit a compliance roadmap as the government steps up efforts to curb deepfakes, propaganda and other manipulated or illegal content across the company's platforms, according to government sources. The Centre has sought specific changes to Meta's algorithms to improve the detection and removal of harmful and manipulated content, the sources said. MeitY officials have also asked the company to strengthen its content moderation mechanisms, respond more quickly to takedown requests from authorised government agencies and comply with data localisation requirements.

Faster action on deepfakes

The government has sought closer coordination with Meta to accelerate the identification and removal of deepfakes, morphed images and misleading posts circulating across its platforms. The directions came after Meta's technical team met MeitY officials on Friday and explained how the company's existing systems identify, assess and act against harmful online content. Government officials, however, pressed the company for specific changes to its algorithms to restrict the reach and circulation of what they described as propaganda, deepfakes and manipulated media. The meeting is the latest in a series of discussions between Meta and the government over the handling of illegal and harmful material on social media platforms.

Meta acknowledges system gaps

During the discussions, Meta acknowledged gaps in its existing systems and outlined technical measures that could be introduced to tackle deepfakes and other forms of synthetic content more effectively, according to the sources. Both sides have agreed to continue consultations, with another meeting expected to take place next week. The government has intensified its scrutiny of Meta in recent days amid concerns over the circulation of deepfakes, Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and other harmful content on the company's platforms. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg had earlier apologised over errors involving CSAM and deepfake content on the company's platforms after the Indian government raised concerns.

India tightens AI rules

The discussions come against the backdrop of India's tougher regulatory framework governing synthetically generated content, including deepfakes. Earlier this year, the government amended the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules to bring synthetically generated information under a specific regulatory framework and impose additional due-diligence requirements on online intermediaries. The amended rules are aimed at increasing accountability for AI-generated and manipulated material, including through requirements related to the identification and labelling of synthetic content.

'Platforms must follow Indian law'

The government's continuing engagement with Meta is also examining whether online platforms are adequately fulfilling their responsibilities under Indian law, particularly when dealing with harmful and illegal content. Government sources have maintained that social media platforms operating in the country are required to comply with Indian laws and have responsibilities towards both their users and society. The Centre's demand for algorithmic changes signals a shift towards greater scrutiny not only of how platforms remove prohibited material after it is detected, but also of the systems that determine how such content is recommended and amplified to users.