India’s battle against fake news intensifies with refined AI guidelines earning praise from top legal minds. Social media platforms now have crystal-clear rules to tackle deepfake threats, moving beyond blanket labeling to precision strikes on deceptive content.
The IT Ministry’s updates to the 2021 rules require AI content on sites like YouTube and Instagram to feature unmistakable identifiers—prominent labels or hidden metadata—for instant user awareness.
This setup equips government watchdogs to monitor and neutralize harmful deepfakes, empowering people to engage with media critically. It’s a direct response to growing abuses in viral videos and manipulated imagery.
‘Excellent recalibration,’ said Sajai Singh of JSA Advocates & Solicitors. ‘Platforms will appreciate the focus on harmful material over universal tagging, streamlining operations.’
Enforcement ramps up: Flagged deepfakes must vanish in 3 hours, not 36. Labels stay intact forever, and mandatory tech must hunt down fraudulent, pornographic, or illicit AI outputs.
With deepfakes posing risks to elections, reputations, and social harmony, these guidelines fortify India’s digital defenses. They blend regulatory muscle with practical flexibility, heralding a safer, more transparent internet for millions.