A fresh update to India’s digital regulations is setting clearer boundaries around artificial intelligence content and deepfakes. Under new amendments issued by MeitY, platforms are now required to take stronger steps to identify, label, and act against misleading AI-generated material.
The rules apply to intermediaries that enable the creation of “synthetically generated information” (SGI), as well as Significant Social Media Intermediaries (SSMIs), defined as platforms with more than 5 million users. These entities must clearly label SGI so users can tell synthetic content apart from real material. Labels can appear as visible tags or be embedded as hidden metadata.
Large platforms are also required to ensure accountability from users. They must ask users to declare whether their content is created using AI and verify those claims using technical tools. Harmful deepfakes must be removed within 36 hours once flagged. During election periods, the timeline becomes stricter, requiring takedowns within 3 hours. Political parties are also expected to act quickly when fake or misleading content surfaces around voting.
While the intent of the rules is to improve online safety, some industry groups have raised concerns. They argue that the framework may be too broad and could treat minor or harmless edits the same as serious deepfakes. These groups are urging authorities to focus enforcement on content that is genuinely misleading or harmful.
Despite these concerns, India’s approach reflects a wider global trend. Similar to measures such as the EU’s AI Act, the updated rules aim to make digital spaces safer, with added safeguards around elections and the spread of synthetic content.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
