Indian Government Gives Social Media Platforms Seven Days to Tackle Deepfakes
The Indian government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to social media platforms to modify their policies according to Indian regulations in order to combat the dissemination of deepfakes on their platforms.
Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated that deepfake content could be subject to action under the current IT Rules, particularly Rule 3(1)(b), which requires the removal of 12 types of content within 24 hours of receiving user complaints. Additionally, the government will take action against 100% of such violations in the future under the IT Rules.
Chandrasekhar also emphasized that social media platforms are mandated to remove deepfake content within 24 hours upon receiving a report from either a user or government authority, with failure to comply invoking Rule 7 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Moreover, the Minister encouraged those affected by deepfakes to file First Information Reports (FIRs) at their nearest police station, highlighting that the IT Ministry will assist aggrieved users in filing FIRs related to deepfakes.
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India is considering regulation to curb the proliferation of deepfakes and other user harm that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can bring. After meeting with representatives from large social media platforms and other stakeholders, Vaishnaw revealed that India will draft new rules to identify and limit the spread of deepfakes, as well as enhance the reporting process for such videos.
Vaishnaw expressed that social media companies acknowledge the need for regulation regarding deepfakes and are willing to collaborate in drafting the new regulation. He stressed the urgency of taking measures to strengthen trust in society and protect democracy from the impact of deepfakes.
The Minister is expected to convene with social media companies again next month to further discuss the new regulations, which will also center on strengthening reporting mechanisms for individuals to report deepfake videos and urging proactive and timely action by social media companies.
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