India’s government has warned social media companies like Facebook and YouTube.
In a closed-door meeting, Deputy IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized reminding users that local laws forbid posting deepfakes and content that spreads obscenity or misinformation. The directive aligns with the 2022 rules that prohibit harmful content for children, obscene material, or impersonation.
The move reflects growing concerns over deepfakes, realistically fabricated videos created using AI algorithms. The Indian government is reportedly drafting regulations to address these concerns specifically.
Chandrasekhar insisted that companies must frequently remind users of these rules and threatened to issue formal directives if they fail to comply. This approach is described as a “non-negotiable” demand by the Indian government to ensure online safety and integrity.
While Facebook and Chandrasekhar did not immediately respond to comments, Google, owner of YouTube, asserted its commitment to responsible AI development and removing harmful content.
The issue of deepfakes and AI regulation has gained international attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for global cooperation in regulating AI during a G20 virtual summit. India’s focus on tightening social media regulations is part of a broader global effort to manage the challenges of advanced digital technologies.
