Internet platforms, intermediaries have legal obligation to curb deepfakes: MoS IT

The Indian government has emphasized the legal obligation of internet platforms and social media intermediaries to prevent the spread of misinformation and deepfakes on their platforms. Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, highlighted the collaboration between the Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA) and Meta to launch a dedicated fact-checking helpline on WhatsApp in India. He stated that all internet platforms and intermediaries in the country are legally obligated to ensure that no misinformation or deepfakes are posted by their users.

Chandrasekhar also mentioned that the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has directed intermediary platforms to clearly communicate with their users in accordance with Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules, 2021. The minister warned that non-compliance with these regulations would result in the intermediaries losing their exemption from liability provided under Section 79(1) of the IT Act.

Furthermore, the government had issued an advisory for all intermediaries on December 26, 2023, and has been closely monitoring their compliance with the IT Rules, 2021 and the latest advisory by the IT Ministry.

This reaffirmation of the legal obligations of internet platforms and intermediaries comes in the wake of increasing concerns about the spread of misinformation and deepfakes on online platforms. The government’s emphasis on compliance with regulations underscores the importance of combating misinformation in the digital space. The collaboration between the MCA and Meta to establish a fact-checking helpline on WhatsApp reflects the efforts to address this issue and ensure the dissemination of accurate information on social media platforms.