The Government of India is taking comprehensive steps to counter the growing threat of deepfakes and AI-powered misinformation, aiming to ensure a safe, trusted and accountable cyberspace for its citizens.
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Shri Jitin Prasada outlined a series of initiatives under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and subsequent amendments, including the IT Rules, 2021. These frameworks are designed to curb unlawful content online and address emerging challenges posed by artificial intelligence technologies, including deepfakes.
Legal Framework and Intermediary Responsibility
The IT Act, along with the 2021 Rules, empowers the government to regulate digital content and impose obligations on intermediaries such as social media platforms. These platforms must remove content deemed unlawful — including materials that incite violence, spread misinformation, or threaten national integrity — and act promptly on grievances filed by users.
A key feature is the Grievance Appellate Committees, which allow users dissatisfied with intermediary actions to file appeals online at www.gac.gov.in. The government has also issued regular advisories reminding intermediaries of their due diligence responsibilities.
Targeting Deepfakes and Synthetic Media
Recognising the threat of malicious synthetic content, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has conducted extensive consultations with social media platforms and industry stakeholders. Intermediaries have been specifically advised to monitor and promptly take down deepfake content and harmful synthetic media.
Also read: SEBI to Overhaul Legacy Rules for Smarter Regulation
Cybersecurity Measures and CERT-In Initiatives
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is playing a pivotal role in tackling deepfake threats. It has issued multiple advisories on AI-related risks, including one in November 2024 focused on deepfake mitigation. CERT-In also runs Cyber Swachhta Kendra, which offers tools to clean malware and educates citizens on safe digital practices.
Regular awareness campaigns such as Cyber Security Awareness Month (October), Safer Internet Day (February), and Cyber Jagrookta Diwas (monthly) aim to build digital resilience among Indian users. These campaigns include webinars, quizzes, and workshops on cyber hygiene.
Combating Cybercrime Through Coordination and Reporting
To strengthen enforcement, the Ministry of Home Affairs has set up the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in), allowing citizens to report cybercrimes, including financial fraud. A dedicated helpline number, 1930, is operational for immediate assistance.
The multi-pronged strategy demonstrates India’s growing emphasis on responsible AI deployment and cyber law enforcement. While the use of AI continues to evolve, the government remains committed to balancing innovation with safety and accountability.
