“Indian Government Issues Advisory on Deepfakes for Social Media Platforms”

The Indian government has recently issued an advisory urging social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and more to take action against the proliferation of deepfake videos and images on their platforms. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has emphasized the need for these entities to adhere to existing IT Rules in order to combat the dissemination of misinformation facilitated by deepfakes.

For those unfamiliar with the term, deepfake technology utilises artificial intelligence to create convincing fake videos and images by impersonating individuals using their images. The technology is capable of learning and producing realistic footage depicting a wide range of emotions.

The advisory specifically requires all digital intermediaries to clearly and precisely inform their users about the prohibited content on their platforms, particularly content outlined under Rule 3(1)(b) of IT Rules. This rule mandates platforms to promptly identify and remove misinformation, false or misleading content, and material impersonating others, including deepfakes.

The prohibited content includes threats to national security or unity, child pornography, obscenity or vulgarity, disinformation or false information, insulting or harassing behavior based on gender, religion, race, and more. It also encompasses impersonation of individuals, commercial fraud or deception, cheating in online games, software viruses or malware, and any other illegal activities.

Recent months have seen an alarming increase in deepfakes depicting various celebrities and public figures, including actresses like Rashmika Mandanna, Kajol, Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, and even business magnate Ratan Tata. Moreover, perpetrators have exploited deepfake technology to scam individuals, such as a former Coal India employee who was tricked into giving Rs 40,000 through a manipulated video call.

To identify a deepfake video, one should look for unnatural movements, blurry edges around the face or hair, and excessively smooth or consistent skin texture. Inconsistencies in the background, shadows, objects, and manipulated audio are also indicative of a deepfake.

The Indian government’s decision to issue an advisory addressing the growing threat of deepfakes demonstrates the urgency of the situation. By urging social media platforms to take proactive measures in compliance with existing regulations, they aim to safeguard users from the detrimental impact of deepfake technology.

As technology continues to advance, the proliferation of deepfakes poses significant challenges to maintaining the integrity of digital content and protecting individuals from exploitation. It is essential for both government authorities and social media platforms to collaborate in addressing these threats and implementing effective measures to combat the spread of misinformation and deceptive content.

It is hoped that this advisory will serve as a crucial step towards raising awareness about the dangers of deepfakes and promoting responsible usage of digital media. By working together, we can mitigate the risks associated with deepfake technology and uphold the reliability and authenticity of online content.