A recent deepfake video featuring an actress has triggered a significant political controversy, questioning the government’s claims of ensuring a safe internet. (Photo: PTI file)
Under the Information Technology (IT) rules of 2021, online platforms are legally obligated to prevent the spread of misinformation by any user.
Days after PM Narendra Modi raised the issue of deepfake with journalists at BJP’s Diwali Milan, the Minister For Information and Technology has called a meeting on the issue in New Delhi on Friday.
Sources familiar with the development have informed CNN-News18 that, besides ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, top officials from the ministry are expected to attend the meeting. Invitations for the meeting have also been sent to various intermediaries, including META, Google, and others.
During a gathering at the BJP headquarters last Friday to celebrate Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned journalists to be vigilant against the spread of fake videos. He specifically referred to a recent incident where a video falsely depicted him dancing during a Garba event.
A recent deepfake video featuring an actress has triggered a significant political controversy, questioning the government’s claims of ensuring a safe internet. In light of the challenges posed by misinformation and deepfakes, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) issued a second advisory within the last six months, urging online platforms to take decisive actions against the proliferation of deepfakes.
Under the Information Technology (IT) rules of 2021, online platforms are legally obligated to prevent the spread of misinformation by any user. They are required to remove such content within 36 hours upon receiving a report from either a user or a government authority. Non-compliance with this requirement falls under Rule 7, empowering affected individuals to take platforms to court under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Individuals affected by deepfakes can also file First Information Reports (FIRs) at the nearest police station and seek remedies provided under the Information Technology (IT) rules of 2021.
Source: News18