The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has asked social media platforms to keep a closer watch on misleading and manipulated content online.

In an advisory issued on Thursday, MeitY urged platforms to exercise "enhanced diligence" on content that is false, altered or shared without proper context.

The ministry said old photos and videos were being recirculated as current events, alongside AI-generated content, impersonation of public officials and material that could incite violence.

MeitY said such posts could mislead people, create confusion and contribute to law-and-order concerns, but did not say what prompted the advisory.

The move comes amid protests in the national capital over the Chief Election Commissioner, and about two months after a dispute between the government and Meta over a removed video.

Legal experts said the advisory does not create new obligations, but the industry sees it as a sign of growing government scrutiny of platforms.