Asia Press Agency

Tag: Deepfakes

  • Indian Government to Amend IT Rules to Regulate Deepfakes

    Indian Government to Amend IT Rules to Regulate Deepfakes

    The Indian government is gearing up to amend the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to include regulations addressing deepfakes, algorithmic bias on technology platforms, and the advertisement of instant loan mobile applications. Union Minister of State for Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, announced that the amended rules would be notified shortly, marking an effort to enhance digital media ethics and accountability.

     

    Chandrasekhar highlighted that the amendments would specifically address issues related to misinformation and deepfakes. He emphasized the need for platforms to refrain from employing algorithms that lead to bias and artificial intelligence (AI) models prone to bias. The government aims to hold platforms accountable for ensuring unbiased algorithms and AI models, putting the onus on them to adopt comprehensive measures to prevent bias.

     

    The upcoming amendments are a response to an advisory issued by the government last year regarding deepfakes. Chandrasekhar stated that the advisory had been issued with the intention of guiding platforms on addressing deepfakes, and the decision to amend the IT Rules was contingent on the level of compliance from the platforms. The impending amendments signify the government’s commitment to regulating digital media practices and enhancing ethical standards.

     

    In addition to addressing deepfakes and algorithmic bias, the amended rules will incorporate provisions related to the advertisement of instant loan mobile applications on intermediary platforms. The government is concerned about the proliferation of such applications and their potential impact on users. By including regulations in the IT Rules, the authorities aim to curb misleading advertisements and practices associated with instant loan apps.

     

    The Centre is also set to release draft rules for the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, alongside the amendments to the IT Rules. The DPDP Act is a significant legislative framework focused on safeguarding individuals’ personal data and ensuring responsible data handling practices by businesses and organizations. The draft rules are expected to complement the government’s efforts to strengthen data protection and privacy in the digital realm.

     

    Rajeev Chandrasekhar provided insights into the India AI Program, a comprehensive initiative with a budget exceeding ₹10,000 crore. The program aims to build databases for multiple domestic languages and develop indigenous computing infrastructure for various AI use cases. Chandrasekhar highlighted plans to create India’s own graphics processing units (GPUs) infrastructure, facilitating the scaling of domestic applications. The program envisions private-public partnerships with data centers in the private sector and public partnerships with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), emphasizing a twofold strategy.

     

    As the Indian government moves forward with these regulatory and programmatic initiatives, it underscores the evolving landscape of digital governance, data protection, and AI development in the country. The amendments to the IT Rules and the introduction of the India AI Program reflect a proactive approach to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the digital ecosystem.

  • Indian Government to Introduce Stricter Rules Against Deepfakes

    Indian Government to Introduce Stricter Rules Against Deepfakes

    Minister of State for Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, announced on Monday that the government will soon implement stricter rules under the Information Technology (IT) Act to ensure compliance by platforms operating in India. This announcement comes as a response to concerns about deepfakes and misinformation, particularly those powered by artificial intelligence (AI), posing a threat to the safety and trust of Indian users.

     

    Chandrasekhar expressed his gratitude to cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar for bringing attention to a fake video through a post on X. The Union Minister highlighted that deepfakes and misinformation, when fueled by AI, represent a significant danger, and platforms are obligated to comply with the advisories issued by the government.

     

    In his post on X, Chandrasekhar stated, “Thank you @sachin_rt for this tweet. #DeepFakes and misinformation powered by #AI are a threat to Safety&Trust of Indian users and represent harm & legal violation that platforms have to prevent and take down. Recent Advisory by @GoI_MeitY requires platforms to comply with this 100%. We will be shortly notifying tighter rules under IT Act to ensure compliance by platforms.”

     

    Sachin Tendulkar had earlier cautioned the public about a fake video circulating on social media and urged people to report such misleading content. He emphasized the misuse of technology and called on social media platforms to be vigilant and responsive to complaints. The cricketer requested swift action to counter the spread of misinformation and fake news.

     

    Deepfakes involve the use of AI to create synthetic or altered media that convincingly misrepresents or impersonates someone. The government’s focus on addressing this issue aligns with the broader efforts to combat misinformation and protect the online safety of users.

     

    In recent months, the Indian government has directed all platforms to adhere to IT rules, emphasizing the need for companies to inform users clearly about prohibited content. The government has instructed platforms to take decisive action against deepfakes, aligning their terms of use and community guidelines with the IT Rules and existing laws.

     

    The government’s commitment to implementing stricter rules reflects the growing concerns about the impact of misinformation and the misuse of AI technologies. By tightening regulations, authorities aim to ensure that online platforms take proactive measures to prevent the dissemination of misleading content and protect the digital well-being of users. The forthcoming rules under the IT Act are expected to provide a comprehensive framework for platform compliance and contribute to fostering a safer online environment in India.