Instagram Algorithm Allegedly Suppresses Jharkhand Student Protest Visibility
Data analysis reportedly shows a stark disparity in Instagram reach between student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and similar protests in Ranchi, Jharkhand, raising questions about algorithmic amplification. The Indian government has requested information from Meta to determine whether the difference in visibility is due to algorithmic manipulation or other factors.
What happened
Student protests took place at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and in Ranchi, Jharkhand, both concerning education and irregularities in competitive examinations. Data analysis collaboration between NDTV and DataBeings examined Instagram posts, accounts, reach, engagement and reel performance related to both protests.
An analysis found a substantial difference in the scale of amplification between the two protests on Instagram. Posts about the Jantar Mantar protest in Delhi garnered millions of views, while posts about the similar protest in Ranchi received significantly fewer views despite featuring similar visual elements including large crowds, young protesters, clashes with police, tear gas, lathi charges and water cannons.
Reported impact
The contrasting social media visibility of the two protests raised questions about how Instagram determines which events receive widespread attention and which remain confined to smaller audiences. The disparity prompted concerns about whether the platform's algorithm contributed to boosting content related to Jantar Mantar protests while allegedly suppressing those against it.
Index analysis
Meta has acknowledged that money has been charged for boosting certain types of content on Instagram. The government of India is engaging with Meta over Instagram algorithm functioning, with Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan requesting detailed information from Meta to examine whether the significant difference in views is due to algorithmic manipulation.
Social media platforms generally respond to such discrepancies by stating that posts about events that receive more audience tend to receive higher views. The analysis carried caveats noting that the two protests took place in different locations and at different stages.
Governance controls
The government of India is keeping an eye on the algorithm and examining the difference in views received between the Jantar Mantar and Ranchi protests. The government requested detailed information from Meta to determine whether algorithmic manipulation occurred.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.