Indian Government Issues Ultimatum to Social Media Platforms to Tackle Deepfake Spread
The Indian government has given social media platforms a seven-day deadline to adjust their policies to comply with Indian regulations in order to address the spread of deepfakes on their platforms. If the companies fail to take action, they could face penalties under the current IT Rules, particularly Rule 3(1)(b).
Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated that 100% of such violations will be subject to action under the IT Rules in the future. He also emphasized that platforms are required to remove deepfake content within 24 hours upon receiving a report from a user or government authority.
Failure to comply with this requirement could result in legal action under the Indian Penal Code. The Minister encouraged individuals impacted deepfakes to file First Information Reports (FIRs) and assured that the IT Ministry will assist aggrieved users in doing so.
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that India is considering new regulations to combat the spread of deepfakes and other harmful content related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). After meeting with social media platform representatives and other stakeholders, Vaishnaw announced plans to draft new rules to identify and limit deepfakes on the platforms.
Social media companies expressed their understanding of the need for regulation and their willingness to cooperate. Vaishnaw stressed the urgency of implementing measures to protect society and democracy from the threat of deepfakes. The Minister is expected to hold further discussions with social media companies on this issue next month.
The new regulations will focus on enhancing reporting mechanisms for individuals to report deepfake videos and ensuring prompt action social media companies to address such content.