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Key Points

India is taking robust steps to address emerging digital challenges through comprehensive legislative frameworks. The government has implemented multiple laws targeting cyber threats, including deepfakes and personal data misuse. Minister Jitin Prasada highlighted the nation's multi-pronged approach involving technological, legal, and awareness-based strategies. These initiatives aim to create a safer, more accountable digital environment for citizens.

Key Points: Jitin Prasada Reveals India's Strong Cyber Defense Strategy

  • Government enacted multiple laws to combat digital threats
  • IT Act provides foundation against online identity theft
  • Digital Personal Data Protection Act introduces strict penalties
  • Cyber Crime Coordination Centre supports national cybersecurity ecosystem
2 min read

India is well-equipped to tackle evolving online harms and cyber crimes: Minister

India strengthens digital safety with comprehensive laws against deepfakes, cyber crimes, and personal data misuse through innovative technological solutions.

"We are conscious of the threats posed by deepfakes powered by Artificial Intelligence - Jitin Prasada, Union Minister"

New Delhi, Aug 8

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, the Parliament was informed on Friday. To ensure an open, safe, trusted and accountable cyberspace for users, Government of India has enacted laws such as the information of technology act, 2000 (IT Act), Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 ("IT Rules, 2021"), Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 ("DPDP Act") and other that address various aspects of the deepfake challenge, Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, said in a reply in Rajya Sabha.

The Information Technology Act, 2000, provide the foundation to act against identity theft, impersonation, privacy breaches, and the spread of obscene or misleading content.

The IT Rules, 2021, amended in 2022 and 2023, mandate platforms to exercise due diligence, remove unlawful content promptly, and increase user awareness around deepfakes and misinformation.

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, further strengthens safeguards by penalising misuse of personal data, while the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, introduces stricter provisions against the spread of disinformation and organised cybercrimes.

According to the minister, to enforce these laws, the government has issued advisories to digital platforms, emphasising the need to remove synthetic content that impersonates individuals, and to inform users about the unreliability of certain AI-generated outputs.

Platforms are also directed to comply with grievance redressal timelines, particularly under the Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs) mechanism, the minister said.

India's cybercrime response ecosystem is supported by institutions like the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the SAHYOG portal for automated takedown notices, and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, where citizens can report misuse, including deepfake-related offences.

CERT-In, India's cybersecurity agency, continues to issue advisories on AI-related threats, with its latest guidance released in November 2024.

Awareness campaigns like Cyber Jagrookta Diwas and Cyber Security Awareness Month further empower citizens to stay vigilant against digital threats.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While the laws sound comprehensive, I'm concerned about ordinary citizens' awareness. My aunt recently forwarded a deepfake video of a politician - most people can't tell what's real anymore 😟 Need more grassroots education!
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Arjun K
The SAHYOG portal is a game-changer! Reported a fake profile using my photos last month and it was taken down within 48 hours. More people should know about these government initiatives 👏
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Sarah B
As someone working in cybersecurity, I appreciate India's approach. The combination of laws, tech infrastructure and awareness campaigns is comprehensive. Though enforcement needs to keep pace with rapidly evolving threats.
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Vikram M
All these laws are good on paper but what about political deepfakes during elections? Saw so many fake videos last election season. Will the rules apply equally to all parties? Asking the real questions here.
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Kavya N
Cyber Jagrookta Diwas should be promoted more in schools and colleges! Our youth need to understand digital risks better. Maybe include it in the curriculum? 🤔
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Nikhil C
Respectfully disagree with the minister's confidence. The ground reality is different - cybercrime cases take years to resolve. We need faster judicial processes and more cyber police stations.

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

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