A senior Indian government minister has announced that tech companies are now under warning to take appropriate actions in order to prevent deepfake videos or risk being banned.
This comes shortly after a famous individual expressed concern over the use of their image in a deepfake advertisement endorsing a gaming app, highlighting the need for stronger measures against such content. Following an advisory issued in November regarding the upcoming identification and restriction of deepfake media, New Delhi is now taking further action by enforcing strict measures against such content.
Deputy IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has announced plans to amend India’s IT Rules within the next week to establish clear laws fighting the spread of deepfakes. He expressed frustration towards technology companies not complying with previous government guidelines on manipulative content.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar revealed that the ministry has made it clear to tech companies that insufficient action against deepfakes will result in legal repercussions from New Delhi. He emphasized that deepfake content is both unlawful and hazardous, and it is unacceptable for companies to rely on ‘best-effort’ excuses while allowing its dissemination.
Another instance of deepfake misuse gained attention when a renowned cricket player, Sachin Tendulkar, warned his numerous followers on social media about deceptive video ads, which fraudulently utilized his image to promote an online gambling site.
Concern is also growing regarding a possible surge in deepfakes leading up to India’s general elections, scheduled to begin in April. IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated last year that tech platforms recognized the seriousness of deepfake content and agreed that such media should not be protected under free speech rights.