Cyber Security : Curbing Deepfake! A Historic Step by the Government for Digital Security
DeepfakeBan The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of the Government of India has made an important decision regarding artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on digital security. New AI regulations will be implemented across the country from February 20, imposing strict restrictions on deepfakes and misleading AI content. The government has taken this step in the backdrop of increasing fake videos and fake photos on social media and digital platforms.
According to the new rules, if any photo or video is created with the help of AI, it is mandatory to clearly mention “AI Generated” when posting it. Additionally, every AI-generated content must have a digital watermark. This will make it easy to identify the original source of the content and whether it was created by AI. This will significantly control the spread of misinformation and misleading content on social media.
The government has implemented these changes by amending the 'Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules'. According to the new provisions, if someone creates a deepfake video to defame a person or attempts to create discord in society, strict legal action will be taken against them. If found guilty, they may face fines as well as imprisonment.
These rules will be equally strict for social media companies. Platforms like Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook will be required to remove objectionable AI content within 24 hours of receiving a complaint. Failure to comply with the rules may result in action against the respective platform. Therefore, digital platforms will now have to strengthen their monitoring systems.
These rules will impose significant restrictions on fake advertisements made by misusing celebrities' faces, investment fraud, or deepfake videos used for political propaganda. Special facilities will be provided on the 'National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal' for ordinary citizens to report suspicious AI content. This will enable immediate action against digital crimes.
According to experts, these rules are not to impose restrictions on technology but to ensure its responsible use. The government's main objective is to increase transparency and reliability on the internet. Now, every user needs to be more aware while navigating the digital world. Overall, the new AI rules will start a new chapter of digital safety in India. The government has clarified that the purpose behind this decision is that technology should be used for development, not for fraud or misleading.