India examines if Meta's recommendation system alters intermediary status

The Indian government is assessing whether Meta’s content recommendation system, which determines what users see, qualifies the company as an intermediary under existing regulations. The outcome could strip Meta of certain legal protections currently granted to intermediaries.

Under the Information Technology (IT) Act, intermediaries enjoy safeguards if they comply with prescribed conditions. However, if a platform actively decides what content is shown to users, it may be classified as engaging in publishing, making it liable for its actions. Meta’s recommendation system is at the center of this examination.

The review gains significance due to the potential implications for Meta’s compliance with IT rules. If the government finds the system violates intermediary status, it may extend the examination to other platforms. Officials have indicated that further action against Meta could follow based on the findings.

Intermediaries in India operate under a framework that balances legal protections with regulatory obligations. The government’s assessment could redefine these boundaries for digital platforms.