IT ministry asks Meta to revamp algorithms, submit roadmap to tackle deepfakes

NEW DELHI: The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has asked Meta to revamp its algorithms and submit 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, amid growing concerns over the spread of synthetic and manipulated content online, ANI cites.Meta asked to strengthen content moderationOfficials have asked the social media giant to strengthen its content moderation systems and act faster on takedown requests from authorised government agencies, the sources said.MeitY also sought greater compliance with data-localisation requirements and asked Meta to work more closely with government agencies to speed up the identification and removal of deepfakes, morphed images and misleading posts.The government has also pushed for specific algorithmic changes to limit the reach and amplification of propaganda and manipulated media.Meta outlines technical measuresThe directive followed talks in which Meta acknowledged gaps in its existing systems and outlined technical measures it could take to address deepfakes and other synthetic content, the sources said.During a meeting with MeitY officials on Friday, Meta's technical team explained how the company currently detects and handles harmful content on its platforms.Officials, however, pressed for more concrete changes to the algorithms governing the spread of such content and sought a clear compliance roadmap from the company.Both sides agreed to continue discussions on the issue, with another meeting expected next week, ANI reports.Meta under growing government scrutiny over CSAMThe government's scrutiny of Meta has intensified in recent days over concerns surrounding deepfakes, Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and other harmful content on its platforms. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg had earlier apologised over errors related to CSAM and deepfake content after concerns were raised by the Indian government.The latest discussions come as India has tightened its regulatory framework for synthetically generated content, including through amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules earlier this year. The revised rules introduce additional due-diligence requirements for online intermediaries and seek greater accountability for AI-generated and manipulated content.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.