The Indian government has issued an advisory to Meta, asking it to ensure algorithms on its platforms do not disproportionately amplify certain narratives and monitor posts potentially inciting violence. The advisory also calls for attention to content containing unverified or misleading claims regarding official measures.
The Union government has asked Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, to provide adequate context for content related to ongoing public events to prevent public confusion and disturbance of public order. The advisory, issued on October 10, specifically warns against misleading, manipulated or out-of-context content being disproportionately amplified or repeatedly recommended to users.
The advisory does not explicitly mention the protests but refers to 'periods of heightened public-order sensitivity' and 'ongoing public events'. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has also asked Meta to ensure timely cooperation with law-enforcement agencies, particularly regarding content containing unverified or misleading claims about official measures.
The advisory calls for particular attention to content containing ‘unverified or misleading claims regarding the imposition of emergency, restrictions, police action or other official measures’. This includes but is not limited to posts related to the special intensive revision of electoral rolls that led to protests in New Delhi.
Ahead of a demonstration on October 10, the police imposed several restrictions to deter protesters from gathering in the national capital, in what the organisers described as intimidation by the authorities. The measures include detaining persons, cancelling trains, closing 45 metro stations and suspending mobile internet in central Delhi.
Around 7,000 protesters in Delhi were detained and allegedly assaulted for taking part in the demonstrations.
Source:
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