Govt To Bring Framework To Regulate Deepfakes, IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar Asks To Wait Till 24 November

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's concerns regarding the growing threats posed by deepfakes and the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).

During the Diwali Milan program at the BJP Headquarters in New Delhi on 17 November, PM Modi had cautioned the public about the risks associated with AI-generated deepfakes. He shared a personal experience of encountering a fake video depicting him performing Garba.

Chandrasekhar emphasised the importance of PM Modi's message, highlighting the potential harm caused by individuals on the internet employing AI and misinformation to sow discord, chaos, and incite violence in society.

Acknowledging the dangers of deepfakes as a form of misinformation driven by AI, he underlined the need to safeguard the safety and trust of Indians using the internet, as per the NDTV report.

The Union Minister assured ongoing efforts to establish a comprehensive framework, including the consideration of new legislation, to prevent deepfakes and misinformation from threatening the safety and trust of the 1.2 billion Indian internet users. Referring to the IT Rules implemented in April 2023, he stressed the government's commitment to combatting the misuse of technology.

Chandrasekhar pledged continued collaboration with various platforms, characterizing the government and these entities as partners in ensuring an open, safe, trusted, and accountable internet environment for digital citizens. Additionally, he confirmed ongoing engagements with the industry to prevent the propagation of deepfakes causing chaos, harm, or toxicity on the Indian internet.

Anticipating further developments on 24 November, Chandrasekhar mentioned that discussions with the industry would lead to the formulation of an overarching framework, reinforcing the existing measures in place.

The government's proactive stance on addressing deepfake concerns comes in response to recent incidents, such as the deepfake video involving actor Rashmika Mandanna, where a woman resembling her was falsely portrayed entering a lift in a black swimsuit, prompting swift viral circulation and subsequent debunking by social media users.