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In a bid to combat the spread of misinformation and deepfake content on social media platforms, the Indian government has taken proactive measures by issuing an advisory to social media intermediaries. This advisory underscores the importance of identifying and addressing the growing threat of misleading information and deepfakes.
Key Highlights of the Advisory:
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Identification of Misinformation and Deepfakes: The advisory directs social media intermediaries to exercise due diligence and take reasonable measures to identify and tackle misinformation and deepfake content effectively.
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Timely Action: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has emphasized the need for expeditious action against such content, ensuring compliance with the timeframes specified under the Information Technology (IT) Rules 2021.
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Swift Content Removal: According to the advisory, social media intermediaries must remove misinformation and deepfakes within 36 hours of receiving a report regarding such content.
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Legal Consequences: Intermediaries were reminded that any failure to adhere to the relevant provisions of the IT Act and Rules would result in the application of Rule 7 of the IT Rules 2021. This non-compliance could potentially lead to the forfeiture of protection provided under Section 79(1) of the IT Act.
The government's advisory is a proactive step in addressing the challenges posed by misinformation and deepfake content on social media platforms. By urging social media intermediaries to take swift and efficient action, the government aims to curb the dissemination of false information and enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of digital content.
These measures reflect the growing global concern over the spread of misleading information and deepfakes, particularly in the digital age. The Indian government's advisory seeks to strike a balance between freedom of expression and the responsibility of social media platforms in curbing the negative impact of misinformation on society.
