Govt Reviews Social Media Platforms’ Progress in Combating Deepfake Threats

The government on Tuesday held another round of meeting with social media platforms to assess their progress in addressing the deepfake issue, according to sources.

The platforms were explicitly informed that the 11 “user harms” or “illegalities” identified under IT rules are also aligned with equivalent provisions in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), consequently carrying criminal consequences under existing laws.

It is noteworthy that Minister of State for IT and Electronics, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, had met with social media platform representatives on November 24, giving them a seven-day ultimatum to take decisive action on deepfakes and align their terms of use with IT rules.

Sources reveal that a follow-up meeting took place on Tuesday to evaluate the progress made since the November 24 meeting. While some platforms have complied, others deemed “slow” have been granted additional time. The government reiterated its “zero tolerance approach” to user harm during Tuesday’s meeting. While many platforms are demonstrating a clear understanding and adapting swiftly, others have displayed lethargy, according to sources. A final meeting with platforms to assess the issue will occur in seven days.

The IT rules and Act explicitly mandate platforms to address harm and ensure that users are well-informed about what is legal and what is not. The responsibility for this squarely rests on the platforms. During Tuesday’s meeting, platforms were explicitly informed about the criminal consequences associated with user harms, even under existing laws.

Referring to the Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC), sources highlighted that prosecution for deepfakes falls under the category of “forgery.” Similar provisions exist under the IPC for other forms of harm. The sources emphasized that platforms unwilling to address harm would not appreciate being informed of the government’s “zero tolerance approach” to harm. For platforms that are slower to act, additional time has been granted, but there is no indication that the government will relax its commitment to ensuring a safe and trusted internet for all Indians.

The government will review in seven days whether advisories will suffice or if new or amended rules need to be issued. Sources stated, “Whether we need to issue only advisories or issue new amended rules is something we will review in seven days from today. And if necessary, we will follow it up with a much tighter set of rules that focus on enforcement and creating deterrence for those who abuse the platforms.”

Deepfakes, referring to digitally manipulated media using artificial intelligence to convincingly misrepresent or impersonate someone, have recently become a concern. Viral ‘deepfake’ videos targeting prominent actors have sparked public outrage, emphasizing concerns over the misuse of technology for creating doctored content and false narratives.