MeitY Directs Social Media Platforms To Adhere To IT Rules Amid Deepfake Concerns

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued an advisory to social-media intermediaries, emphasising the need for clear communication to users regarding content that is not permitted under the Information Technology Rules.

The advisory stated that, “The content not permitted under the IT Rules, in particular those listed under Rule 3(1)(b) must be clearly communicated to the users in clear and precise language including through its terms of service and user agreements.”

It added that the rules must be informed to the user at the time of first-registration and also as regular reminders, and particularly, “at every instance of login and while uploading/sharing information onto the platform”.

Rule 3(1)(b) of IT rules mandates intermediaries to communicate rules in the user's language and make reasonable efforts to prevent prohibited content, related to the 11 listed user harms.

The advisory is seen as an attempt by the government to curb misinformation on the internet, particularly deepfakes.

Minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “Misinformation represents a deep threat to the safety and trust of users on the Internet. Deepfake, which is misinformation powered by AI, further amplifies the threat to safety and trust of our Digital Nagriks.”