Users and platforms hosting deepfake content to be penalised under new law
The Indian government is set to impose financial penalties on those responsible for creating deepfake content as well as the social media platforms hosting such fake videos. Union telecom and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday that a new legislation will be introduced soon to tackle this growing menace. The decision came after a meeting between the minister and various stakeholders, including AI companies and social media firms, to discuss ways to address the challenge.
Vaishnaw stated, We collectively concluded that we need to address this issue with very stringent rules. All of us agreed on four pillars: detection of deepfakes and misinformation, prevention of detected deepfakes and misinformation by removing or reducing their impact, strengthening reporting mechanisms, and increasing awareness.
The government’s action follows the viral spread of a deepfake video featuring popular actor Rashmika Mandanna on social media platforms. The video attracted significant attention, prompting Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan and others to call for legal action against those responsible for this criminal act. Subsequently, the government issued an advisory to major social media companies in India, urging them not to host content impersonating individuals and to promptly remove such material within 24 hours of receiving complaints.
Vaishnaw emphasized that the government will continue engaging with stakeholders to monitor progress. An additional meeting is scheduled for December to evaluate the actions taken by companies and determine what should be included in the draft legislation.
The new regulations being considered will involve watermarking all AI-generated content, strengthening deepfake detection, and enforcing strict rules regarding data bias and privacy.
This move by the Indian government seeks to address the growing threat of deepfake technology and its potential to spread misinformation. By penalizing both the creators and platforms hosting deepfakes, the aim is to create a deterrent that will protect individuals and prevent the widespread circulation of false information.
As technology continues to advance, the challenge of combating deepfakes becomes increasingly important. Governments and stakeholders must work together to implement effective measures that safeguard the integrity of content and ensure public trust in the digital realm.
