Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced stringent measures against deepfake content on social media, emphasizing a 7-day deadline for platforms to comply with IT rules. The move comes amidst rising concerns about the proliferation of manipulated videos.
Addressing the issue, the Minister stated that the Centre would promptly appoint an officer to oversee actions against deepfake content. He highlighted the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (Meity) plan to establish a dedicated website enabling users to report IT rule violations.
“Meity will facilitate users in notifying violations and guide them in filing FIRs,” Chandrasekhar emphasized. He outlined the process, noting that FIRs would target intermediaries and potentially the entities responsible for posting the manipulated content.
Asserting the legal framework’s provisions to address deepfakes, Chandrasekhar underscored a zero-tolerance policy towards IT rule violations, setting a stringent tone for immediate compliance by social media platforms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier raised concerns about AI misuse for creating deepfakes, calling for responsible technology usage. The Centre highlighted severe penalties, including a ₹1 lakh fine and three years of imprisonment, for creating and disseminating deepfakes.
The revelation of deepfake videos targeting public figures has sparked widespread worry, amplifying apprehensions about the misrepresentation of individuals and the potential repercussions on their reputation.
Meity had issued an advisory to social media platforms, emphasizing the legal implications of deepfake creation and dissemination, urging prompt action for content removal within specific timeframes stipulated in the IT Rules 2021.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar reinforced the online platforms’ responsibility in combating misinformation, emphasizing swift content removal and disabling access upon reporting.
The government’s concerted efforts underscore the urgency to curb the spread of deepfake content, safeguarding against potential misinformation and preserving the integrity of digital media platforms.
Sources By Agencies
