India's Crackdown on Deepfakes: New Rules for AI and Social Media

The Indian government has proposed new regulations for AI and social media firms to label deepfake content as AI-generated. With concerns about misuse of AI tools, the rules require users to declare uploading deepfake content. India aims to combat misinformation among its vast internet user base.

India's government has proposed new legal obligations targeting AI and social media companies. The aim is to address the growing issue of deepfakes online by mandating clear labels indicating AI-generated content.

The potential risks associated with generative AI tools, such as spreading misinformation, manipulating elections, or impersonating individuals, have significantly increased, according to a statement by India's IT ministry. The proposed rules seek to have social media companies ensure their users declare any deepfake content they upload.

In a country with nearly a billion internet users and diverse ethnic and religious communities, fake news has the potential to incite violence. AI deepfake videos have raised alarms, especially during elections, prompting the initiative for stricter regulations.

(With inputs from agencies.)