In response to the growing concerns over deepfake technology, India is set to introduce amendments to its IT Rules, specifically targeting misinformation and deepfakes. Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, announced the forthcoming changes, emphasizing platforms’ core responsibility to detect and remove deepfakes. With a range of misleading content identified in rule 3(1)(b) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the government stands ready to take legal action against tech firms failing to comply. Legal experts within the ministry have debated the proposed amendments, acknowledging the potential conflict with Article 19(2) of the Indian constitution. Amid these legislative updates, the government has also considered introducing a ‘bystander clause’ to the IT Rules, aiming to bolster user enablement in reporting illegal content.
Renowned cricket icon, Sachin Tendulkar, recently highlighted the issue of deepfakes circulating under his name, demonstrating the technology’s threat to public trust and individual reputations. As the IT Ministry contemplates the best approach to combat deepfakes, proposed amendments include clear definitions and augmented grievance mechanisms. Yet, there are concerns over the efficacy of such measures, suggesting that a refinement of existing systems might be more practical than imposing new regulations. Tackling the deepfake issue entails a multidimensional approach that balances legal frameworks with efficient response systems and technical innovation.
Celebrating his 50th birthday, Sachin Tendulkar’s original interview with Curly Tales was digital manipulated to appear as though he was endorsing a questionable gaming app, involving false claims of income for his daughter. This incident, which involved sophisticated AI tools to clone voices and alter video, shed light on the underlying entities capitalizing on deepfake technology for illicit promotion. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued an advisory to intermediaries to enforce compliance with IT rules, underlining the dangers AI poses to online safety. Sachin Tendulkar’s exposure of the fraudulent deepfake video spurred a government response, underscoring the severity of deepfakes as a legal violation requiring proactive platform enforcement. As voice cloning technologies like ElevenLabs gain popularity, the potential for political misuse looms large, presenting a critical challenge for electoral integrity and informed public discourse ahead of upcoming elections.