IT Ministry Tackles Deepfake Harm with Sweeping Rule Amendments

The IT Ministry is proposing amendments to IT rules to tackle user harm from AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic content. These changes include mandatory labelling for synthetic content and increased accountability for social media platforms. The amendments aim to enhance user awareness and traceability while fostering innovation.

The IT Ministry has unveiled draft amendments to IT rules targeting user harm from AI-generated deepfakes. These proposals mandate that synthetic content be clearly labelled, ensuring users can distinguish between real and artificial information. The move seeks to bolster accountability for major social media platforms.

The Ministry highlighted the risk of generative AI tools in spreading misinformation, manipulating elections, and impersonating individuals. After thorough public and parliamentary discussions, these amendments aim to strengthen obligations for intermediaries, including significant social media platforms, and those facilitating synthetic content creation.

Key provisions include requiring platforms to obtain user declarations on synthetic content, verifying such information, and embedding permanent identifiers. These steps are designed to promote awareness, enhance traceability, and maintain innovation in AI-driven technologies. Feedback on the proposed amendments is open until November 6, 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)