# Government examines if Meta’s recommendation system fits intermediary status

2026-08-08T17:45:15+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

The government is examining whether Meta's recommendation systems and paid content promotion disqualify it from legal protection as an intermediary under the IT Act, government sources said. The key issue is whether a platform that actively decides what content users see becomes a publisher and loses safe harbour from liability for third-party content. After two days of meetings this week, Meta's global affairs head Joel Kaplan met IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The government questioned Meta on deepfakes, child sexual abuse material, and AI-generated content without labels. Meta admitted serious issues and assured action. Officials will follow up, and another meeting is scheduled next week.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/government-examines-if-meta-recommendation-system-deciding-what-to-show-to-whom-fits-intermediary-status/article71322615.ece>
- deccanherald.com <https://www.deccanherald.com/india/metas-recommendation-systems-under-centres-legal-scrutiny-2-4104274>

Tags: content moderation, deepfakes, IT Act, Meta, safe harbour, social media regulation
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