The Indian government issues a stern warning to social media platforms, urging swift identification and removal of misinformation, particularly deepfakes. The caution follows a deepfake controversy involving actor Akshay Kumar.
A manipulated video allegedly featuring Akshay Kumar endorsing a gaming app surfaced online, prompting government intervention. Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar underscores the harmful impact of misinformation and deepfakes, linking them to advancements in artificial intelligence.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Chandrasekhar emphasizes legal obligations outlined in the IT Rules, 2021. Social media intermediaries failing to promptly remove prohibited misinformation and deepfakes risk losing legal protection and potential prosecution.
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“The IT Rules, 2021 mandate intermediaries to ensure their accountability for safe & trusted Internet, including swift removal of prohibited misinformation, false information, and deepfakes,” says Chandrasekhar. Failure to comply exposes intermediaries to legal consequences under the IT Act and the Indian Penal Code.
In the event of non-compliance with legal obligations, intermediaries lose their safe harbor protection under Section 79 of the IT Act. Consequential action or prosecution, including under Section 469 of the IPC, becomes a possibility.
Deepfake videos extend beyond Akshay Kumar, with previous instances involving celebrities like Rashmika Mandanna, Nora Fatehi, Katrina Kaif, Kajol, and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.
