Govt talks tough on deepfake issue

New Delhi: The government on Tuesday held another round of meeting with social media platforms to “review” progress made by them in tackling deepfake issue, according to sources.

Platforms have been clearly told that the 11 ‘user harms’ or ‘illegalities’ flagged under IT rules are in fact also mapped to equivalent provisions in IPC (Indian Penal Code) and hence criminal consequences exist even under the current laws. It is pertinent to mention that on November 24, Minister of State for IT and Electronics Rajeev Chandrasekhar had met with the representatives of social media platforms and the companies were given seven days to act decisively on deepfakes, and align their terms of use as per the IT rules.

According to sources, a follow-up meeting was held on Tuesday with social media platforms to assess the progress made after the November 24 meeting. While some platforms have complied, others that been “slow” in doing so, have been given additional time. The government, in Tuesday’s meeting, has made it clear that it will continue with its “zero tolerance approach” on user harm.

While many platforms have shown a clear understanding of what is the right thing to do and are adapting quickly, some platforms have shown lethargy, the sources pointed out. A final meeting with platforms to take stock of the issue will take place in seven days. IT rules and Act clearly require platforms to tackle harm, and also make sure that users on the platforms are well aware of what is illegal and what is not.