NewKerala.com

Key Points

India's legal framework, including the IT Act and BNS, is equipped to handle AI-driven cyber threats like deepfakes. MoS Prasada highlighted risks to privacy and reputation from synthetic content. The DPDP Act and updated IT Rules enforce platform accountability and data protection. Citizens can report cybercrimes via the I4C portal or helpline 1930 for swift action.

Key Points: India's Cyber Laws Combat AI Deepfakes and Online Harms Says Govt

  • Govt cites IT Act and BNS to counter AI deepfake threats
  • CERT-In and I4C coordinate cybercrime response
  • DPDP Act penalizes unauthorized data use in deepfakes
  • Intermediaries must label AI content under 2023 advisories
2 min read

India well-equipped to tackle evolving online harms, cyber crimes: Govt tells Parliament

India's IT Act, BNS, and institutions like CERT-In tackle AI deepfakes and cybercrimes, ensuring a safer digital space, says MoS Prasada.

"Such content can seriously impact a person's dignity, reputation, and right to privacy. – Jitin Prasada, MoS for Electronics & IT"

New Delhi, August 9

India's cyber legal framework, backed by the IT Act, BNS, and institutions like GAC, CERT-In, and I4C, is well-equipped to tackle evolving online harms and cyber crimes, said Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada in Rajya Sabha.

MoS Prasada said on Friday that the Government is conscious of the threats posed by deepfakes powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), including synthetic audio, video and text.

Such content can seriously impact a person's dignity, reputation, and right to privacy. It also raises concerns about platform accountability, he added, according to the Ministry of Electronics & IT.

The MoS informed that to combat the rising threat of deepfakes and ensure an open, safe, and accountable cyberspace, the Government of India has established a comprehensive legal and institutional framework.

Several existing laws address various aspects of AI-generated harms, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act), which criminalises identity theft, impersonation, privacy violations, and the circulation of obscene content. It also empowers authorities to issue blocking orders (Section 69A) and takedown notices (Section 79) to intermediaries.

Complementing this are the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, updated in 2022 and 2023, which mandate digital platforms to exercise due diligence, prevent the hosting of unlawful content, and ensure accountability.

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) adds another layer by requiring data fiduciaries, including AI firms, to process personal data lawfully and with user consent. Deepfakes using personal data without consent can be penalised under this Act.

Further, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) addresses misinformation and organised cybercrimes through Sections 353 and 111.

The Government has also issued advisories (in December 2023 and March 2024) directing intermediaries to remove impersonation and deepfake content, inform users about misleading content, and ensure timely compliance with the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) orders.

Intermediaries are also advised to label AI-generated content when outputs are potentially unreliable.

India's broader cyber ecosystem includes platforms like the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and its SAHYOG Portal, which enable coordinated removal of unlawful content. Citizens can report incidents through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or by calling the helpline 1930.

Additionally, CERT-In provides guidance on emerging AI threats, including deepfakes, and conducts public awareness campaigns through initiatives such as Cyber Jagrookta Diwas, National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and Safer Internet Day.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who was a victim of online fraud last month, I appreciate these steps. But the response time needs to improve - it took 3 weeks for my complaint to get acknowledged on the cybercrime portal.
A
Arjun K
The laws sound comprehensive on paper, but what about enforcement? Every day my parents receive scam messages about fake bank offers. More public awareness campaigns are needed, especially for older citizens.
S
Sarah B
Interesting read! The labeling of AI-generated content is a good move. In the West we're struggling with this too. India seems to be taking a proactive approach compared to many countries.
K
Kavya N
Deepfakes are really scary 😨 Recently saw a fake video of a politician saying things he never said. Glad the government is acting, but social media companies must also take responsibility!
V
Vikram M
While the framework looks good, I'm concerned about over-regulation. We need to balance security with digital freedom. The IT Act's Section 69A has been misused in the past to block legitimate content too.
N
Nikhil C
The helpline number 1930 is actually helpful! Used it when someone cloned my WhatsApp. Got resolution in 10 days. More people should know about these facilities.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50