The Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology(MeitY) has issued a crucial advisory to all digital intermediaries, reinforcing the need for compliance with existing IT Rules.
The focus of this directive is to counter the rising threat of misinformation fueled by Artificial intelligence, particularly deep fakes.
“Today, a formal advisory has been issued incorporating the "agreed to" procedures to ensure that users on these platforms do not violate the prohibited content under Rules (1)(B)", said Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Electronics & IT and Jal Shakti. He further accentuated that “Misinformation represents a deep threat to safety and trust of users on the Internet. Deepfake, which is misinformation powered by AI, amplifies the threat to safety and trust of our Digital Nagriks”
On November 17th, PM Narendra Modi alarmed the country to the dangers of deep fakes, post that the ministry held two important digital India dialogues involving stakeholders of the Internet and alert them of the IT Rules notified in October 2022. This lays out over 11 specific prohibited types of content on all social media intermediaries & platforms.
The advisory stresses that prohibited content must be communicated clearly to users through terms of service and user agreements. Users must be informed at the time of first registration and reminded regularly, especially during login and information uploading.
Digital Intermediaries are also obligated to inform users about penal provisions, including those in the IPC and the IT Act, in case of Rule 3 (1)(B) violations, the ministry further emphasized.
“MeitY will closely monitor intermediary compliance in the near weeks, and the Minister hinted at possible amendments to the IT Rules or law if required, aligning with the government’s mission to ensure a safe and trusted internet for all users”, said Chandrashekhar.
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