AI Content Regulation: MeitY’s Report to Delhi High Court
Why in the News ?
The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) submitted a status report to the Delhi High Court, highlighting concerns over deepfakes, AI-generated scams, and liability frameworks. The report stresses mandatory AI content disclosure and stricter enforcement against malicious actors.
Concerns on Deepfake Regulation
- The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) submitted a status report to the Delhi High Court on concerns related to AI-generated content.
- Key issues highlighted include deepfakes targeting women during elections, increased AI-generated scam content, and the need for better enforcement rather than new laws.
- A major challenge is the lack of a uniform definition of ‘deepfake’, complicating regulatory efforts.
Regulatory Discussions and Recommendations
- A nine-member committee was formed by MeitY in November 2024, which met stakeholders in January 2025 to discuss AI content regulation.
- Stakeholders emphasized mandatory AI content disclosure and labeling standards, while ensuring that regulations focus on malicious actors rather than creative uses of deepfake technology.
- The committee also discussed the importance of grievance redressal mechanisms to tackle AI-generated misinformation.
Liability and Enforcement Measures
- The report highlights the need for increased oversight on malicious actors misusing deepfake technology.
- There is growing realization that companies cannot evade responsibility for the misuse of their AI tools.
- Instead of introducing new laws, improving enforcement mechanisms is seen as a more effective approach to tackling AI-related content concerns.
Key Highlights of the Advisory to the AI Industry:
- Rules apply to large tech firms, not startups.
- Platforms must comply with Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules 2021.
- Rule prohibits unlawful content like defamation, pornography, disinformation, and threats to India’s sovereignty.
- Platforms enabling unlawful content face legal consequences under existing laws.
- AI-generated imagery must be clearly labeled.
- What is Generative AI?
- AI that creates text, images, audio, and synthetic data.
- Enables quick, high-quality content creation through user-friendly interfaces.