New Delhi: The government has strengthened its regulatory framework to tackle risks from AI-generated content and deepfakes, reinforcing compliance under the IT Act and IT Rules.
Minister of State Jitin Prasada informed the Lok Sabha that multiple advisories and amendments now guide intermediaries in handling unlawful digital content. These measures aim to ensure a safe and accountable cyberspace in India.
AI content IT Rules India strengthened
The government has issued several advisories to social media platforms and intermediaries. These advisories stress strict adherence to due diligence obligations under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021.
For instance, recent advisories specifically address risks linked to synthetically generated information (SGI), including deepfakes. Moreover, they require platforms to prevent the creation and spread of misleading or harmful AI-generated content.
In addition, the government amended the IT Rules in February 2026 to tackle emerging threats. As a result, platforms must now deploy technical measures to detect and restrict unlawful AI content.
Stricter compliance and faster action
Under the updated framework, intermediaries must label AI-generated content clearly. This step ensures transparency and helps users identify synthetic media.
Furthermore, platforms must maintain traceable metadata for such content. Consequently, authorities can track misuse and enforce accountability more effectively.
The rules also mandate swift action against illegal content. Social media platforms must remove unlawful material within three hours of receiving valid orders from courts or government agencies.
At the same time, the framework strengthens safeguards against serious harms. It explicitly covers child sexual exploitation material, non-consensual imagery and impersonation through AI tools.
Focus on user safety and accountability
The government has also introduced a Standard Operating Procedure to curb non-consensual intimate imagery online. This SOP provides clear guidelines for victims, platforms and law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, intermediaries must educate users about the legal consequences of sharing unlawful content. This requirement aims to promote responsible online behaviour.
Overall, the AI content IT Rules India framework reflects a proactive approach to digital governance. It balances innovation with accountability while addressing emerging risks in the digital ecosystem.
