The Government has issued an advisory urging social media platforms to be vigilant in identifying and counteracting misinformation and deepfakes. Deepfakes are artificially created or altered media, predominantly videos, that are falsely presented as real.
According to the advisory, social media platforms must diligently work to detect deepfakes and misinformation. This is particularly vital when the content breaches regulations or platform policies. When such violations are reported by users or governmental bodies, a response is required within 36 hours, following the 2021 IT Rules.
The advisory edicts platforms to prevent users from hosting potentially problematic content. If such content is uploaded, it must be removed upon notification. Additionally, quick access disabling is needed for any content violating the policies, again within a 36-hour time frame, as stipulated by the IT Rules.
Failing to comply with this advisory could lead platforms to lose their immunity, offered under Section 79 of the IT Act. This translates to the platforms being held accountable for inappropriate third-party content hosted on their site.
The impetus behind the advisory lies in the escalating concerns about the propagation of misinformation and deepfakes on the internet. The aim is to safeguard digital citizens, notably women and children, who are often targeted by such content.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized that it is incumbent upon the platforms to curtail misinformation and to take necessary action when reported. If wronged, individuals can lodge police complaints and utilize provisions under the IT Rules pushing platforms to account for their actions.
This advisory mirrors one issued six months earlier, underscoring the government’s commitment to combat digital threats stemming from misinformation and deepfakes. Through these regular advisories, the government strives to make the social media landscape safer for Indian citizens.