Government Cracks Down on Deepfakes: New IT Rules Coming Soon

In response to the mixed compliance with the advisory on deepfakes from social media and online platforms, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has announced that amended IT rules will be notified within a week to tackle the issue effectively. The Minister of State for IT and Electronics emphasized that the responsibility of detecting and removing deepfakes and prohibited content lies with the platforms and intermediaries, warning that inaction or a casual approach to this core responsibility may result in blocking of the platforms.

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Government's Tough Stance on Deepfakes and Misinformation

This latest ultimatum underscores the government's hardening stance on the issue of deepfakes and misinformation powered by AI. The Centre has categorically instructed platforms to take urgent action against doctored and manipulated videos that are widely circulated on social media. Chandrasekhar pointed out that the government had previously made it clear to social media and online platforms that if the advisory on deepfakes was not fully adhered to, new IT rules would be implemented.

Mixed Compliance and Upcoming Amended IT Rules

Acknowledging the mixed performance of compliance, Chandrasekhar stated that if the advisory was not being followed through completely, the government would introduce amended IT rules to address the issue specifically. These amended rules are expected to be notified within the next week, firmly embedding the provisions of the advisory into the IT rules.

Understanding Deepfakes and Their Impact

Deepfakes refer to synthetic or doctored media that is digitally manipulated and altered to convincingly misrepresent or impersonate someone using artificial intelligence (AI). The government's recent directives to platforms aim to ensure compliance with IT rules and mandate companies to inform users clearly about prohibited content.

Addressing Public Outrage and Weaponization of Technology

The government's tough stance on deepfakes gained momentum after several deepfake videos targeting prominent actors, including Rashmika Mandanna, sparked public outrage. These incidents raised concerns over the weaponization of technology for creating synthetic content and harmful narratives.

Government's Engagement with Intermediary Platforms

Chandrasekhar highlighted the government's efforts in conducting two rounds of Digital India dialogues with intermediary platforms. These dialogues focused on drawing attention to current rules and cautioning platforms about the consequences of non-compliance. The government has also issued advisories and expressed its intention to notify new rules if compliance remains unsatisfactory.

Core Responsibility of Platforms and Potential Consequences

The Minister emphasized that platforms have a core responsibility to prevent user harm, and any inability to meet these obligations will lead to government action. He clarified that misinformation and deepfakes are not matters of "best effort" but rather illegalities and harms that cannot remain on platforms. Failure to act on deepfakes or a casual attitude towards the issue may result in blocking of the platform to protect user safety.

Strict Measures for Compliance Failure

Over the past weeks, the Centre has urged platforms to align their "terms of use" and community guidelines with the IT Rules and current laws. The government has made it clear that any compliance failure will be dealt with strictly and may evoke legal consequences.

Deepfakes and Their Impact on Elections

The issue of deepfakes gained further attention when legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar flagged his deepfake video circulating online. In response, Chandrasekhar assured that the government would soon notify tighter rules under the IT Act to ensure compliance by platforms. Deepfakes and misinformation pose a significant challenge to conducting safe, free, and fair elections, especially in a large and connected nation like India.

Global Efforts to Address Deepfakes

Recognizing the potential risks of deepfakes, US-based artificial intelligence research organization OpenAI has announced that it will not allow its AI to be used for political campaigning. The organization is committed to preventing misleading deepfakes and chatbots that impersonate candidates.

In conclusion, the government's promise of amended IT rules to tackle deepfakes and misinformation reflects its commitment to protecting user safety and ensuring responsible behavior from social media and online platforms. The mixed compliance with the advisory on deepfakes has prompted the government to take decisive action, embedding the provisions of the advisory into the IT rules and warning platforms of potential consequences for non-compliance. As technology continues to evolve, the government's efforts to address deepfakes and misinformation will play a crucial role in maintaining public trust and safeguarding the integrity of online discourse.