IT Ministry advises social media platforms to take down ‘manipulated’ content
The advisory expands earlier guidance on rules by the Ministry on AI-generated content; it also advises firms to take on “priority” posts referred by government departments
The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has advised social media platforms to remove "manipulated or out-of-context content," including AI-generated deepfakes, in order to avoid public confusion and potential unrest. This advisory, reported by MediaNama, comes ahead of a protest planned by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on October 10.
The IT Rules, 2021, which require social media platforms to label AI-generated imagery, have been extended to include taking enhanced care with false, misleading, or out-of-context information. Platforms are urged to prioritize reports and complaints from authorized government agencies, especially regarding content that could affect public order.
The IT (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009 allow ministries and departments to forward takedown notices to the IT Ministry under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, but many takedowns are done under Section 79(3)(b), which permits authorized agencies to inform social media platforms of suspected illegal content without obligating removal.
Social media giant Meta has been automatically removing such posts following complaints under Section 79(3)(b), leading to criticism from digital rights groups.
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