Government unleashes bold initiative against deepfakes on social media
To address the deepfake menace, Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar declared that the government would appoint a special officer responsible for overseeing and managing the issue on online platforms.
The Indian government, led by Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, has announced significant measures to combat the rising threat of deepfake videos on online platforms. This decision comes in response to a surge in deepfake content featuring Bollywood actors such as Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif, and Kajol, causing widespread concerns regarding the blurring line between reality and fiction on the internet.
To address the deepfake menace, Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar declared that the government would appoint a special officer responsible for overseeing and managing the issue on online platforms. This officer, designated as the Rule Seven officer, will play a crucial role in ensuring 100% compliance from all platforms in tackling deepfake content.
The Rule Seven officer will not only be tasked with monitoring and taking action against deepfakes but will also create a user-friendly platform for citizens to report instances of fake content easily. This initiative aims to empower citizens to bring notices, allegations, or reports of law violations by platforms to the attention of the Indian government, fostering a collaborative approach in addressing online threats.
Minister Chandrasekhar emphasized that the government’s focus extends beyond deepfakes to include other harmful content such as Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and various prohibited categories on the Indian Internet. This comprehensive approach aims to create a safer online environment for all users.
During a meeting with key internet players, the government stressed the adequacy of the current IT rules under the IT Act to address deepfake issues. Internet intermediaries acknowledged that existing regulations provide sufficient compliance requirements. However, Minister Chandrasekhar highlighted the need for future regulations and laws, considering the evolving nature of online threats and the age of the current IT Act (23 years old).
The government engaged in discussions with internet intermediaries, including major platforms like Google, Facebook, and YouTube, to address the deepfake challenge. Minister Chandrasekhar announced that an advisory and directive would be issued, urging platforms to align their terms of use with the twelve prohibited areas on the Indian Internet. Platforms have committed to this alignment within seven days, demonstrating a cooperative effort to create a safe and trusted online space.
In a prior statement, Minister Chandrasekhar had issued a warning to online platforms, including Google, Facebook, and YouTube. The government summoned these platforms on November 24, emphasizing that severe action would be taken if they failed to remove deepfake content promptly. This proactive approach underscores the government’s commitment to holding platforms accountable for the content hosted on their sites.
Reiterating the government’s stance, Minister Chandrasekhar emphasized that online platforms would not receive immunity if they failed to address the deepfake issue. This strong stance underscores the government’s determination to ensure that platforms take effective measures to remove deceptive and harmful content promptly.
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