India Moves to Tackle Deepfakes with Stricter IT Rules

The Indian government is taking decisive steps to combat the growing threat of deepfakes and AI-generated synthetic content by proposing amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021. These changes aim to enhance accountability among major social media platforms and ensure users can easily identify manipulated media.

Proposed Amendments to IT Rules

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has introduced draft amendments that mandate clear labelling of AI-generated content. Visual media must display a marker covering at least 10% of the image, while audio clips should include an identifier during the first 10% of playback. Additionally, users will be required to declare whether their content is AI-generated, and platforms must implement technical measures to verify these declarations.

Rationale Behind the Amendments

The surge in AI-generated deepfakes poses significant risks, including the potential to manipulate elections, impersonate individuals, and incite social unrest. With nearly a billion internet users in India, many from diverse and sensitive socio-cultural backgrounds, the government emphasizes the need for transparency and traceability in digital content to protect users from misinformation and harm.

Public Feedback and Implementation Timeline

The proposed rules are open for public feedback until November 6, 2025. The government has invited comments from the public and industry stakeholders to ensure the regulations are comprehensive and effective. Once finalized, these amendments are expected to set a global benchmark for regulating synthetic media and enhancing digital literacy.

Conclusion

India’s proactive approach to regulating AI-generated content reflects its commitment to maintaining an open, safe, and accountable internet environment. By introducing clear labelling requirements and user declarations, the government aims to empower users to discern authentic content from manipulated media, thereby safeguarding the integrity of digital communication.