The Ministry of Information Technology has issued an advisory addressing concerns related to deepfake content circulating on social media. The advisory is prompted by recent incidents involving manipulated videos of celebrities like Rashmika Mandanna and Katrina Kaif.
The Congress party has reached out to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive legal framework to combat the growing threat of deepfakes in India. They argue that deepfakes jeopardize individuals’ privacy and security.
Union Minister’s Advice on Dealing with Deepfakes
Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, has advised victims of AI-generated deepfakes to file First Information Reports (FIRs) at the nearest police stations.
He also mentioned that remedies provided under the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) can be utilized.
The advisory cited Rule 3(1)(b)(vii) of the IT Intermediary Rules, emphasizing the importance of platforms adhering to rules and regulations, privacy policies, and user agreements that prohibit content impersonating others.
MeitY Urges Prompt Removal of AI-Generated Content
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sent advisories to major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, urging them to remove fake content generated through artificial intelligence (AI) within 24 hours. This action is taken to address the challenges posed by misinformation and deepfakes.
Advisory Reiterates Legal Responsibilities of Online Platforms
The advisory reiterates the legal provisions that online platforms are required to follow as intermediaries. It underscores existing rules under the Information Technology Act, 2000, including penalties for cheating through personation using computer resources, which can result in imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh.
Commenting on announcement, Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said:
They are also required to promptly remove such content within 36 hours upon receiving a report from either a user or government authority. Non-compliance with this mandate triggers Rule 7, allowing affected individuals to pursue legal action against platforms under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). If you become a victim of deepfakes, I strongly urge you to file First Information Reports (FIRs) at your nearest police station.