The indian government has formally introduced a regulatory framework to govern AI‑generated content — including deepfakes, synthetic audio, manipulated visuals, and other forms of AI‑produced media — marking a major policy shift in wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital governance. The move is part of amendments to the Information technology (Intermediary Guidelines and wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital media Ethics Code) Rules and comes into force from February 20, 2026.
1. Background: Why Regulation Was Needed
With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence tools — from generative text systems to image and video synthesis — there has been a surge in deceptive or harmful synthetic content globally and within India. Incidents involving convincingly altered media and AI misuse sparked public safety, election integrity, privacy, and defamation concerns. Critics also highlighted that existing wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital governance frameworks didn’t explicitly cover AI‑generated content. The indian government’s latest amendments aim to fill this regulatory gap.
2. Legal Framework: Amending the IT Rules
The regulatory basis for AI content oversight is the Information technology (Intermediary Guidelines and wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026. This revision embeds AI‑generated content within the ambit of statutory regulation rather than leaving it to voluntary guidelines.
Key Highlights of the Amendment
- Formal recognition of AI content: The updated rules explicitly define synthetically generated information (SGI) — covering AI‑created or altered audio, visual, or audiovisual content.
- Mandatory labeling: Platforms must clearly and prominently label content that is generated or significantly transformed using AI tools. This label must be visible to users, and platforms must embed persistent metadata or identifiers so content origin can be traced.
- Permanent metadata: Labels, where technically feasible, must include metadata that cannot be removed or hidden once applied.
- User declarations: Platforms are required to obtain user declarations at the time of upload, asking whether the material has been AI‑generated or altered.
3. Platform Obligations and Enforcement Timelines
One of the most significant changes under the new regime is the accelerated timeline for content action:
- Fast takedown deadlines: Platforms must act on legally required takedown notices or complaints within three hours, a drastic reduction from the previous 36‑hour window.
- Grievance redressal timelines: Other content moderation responses — such as resolving user complaints — have also seen shortened deadlines.
- Automated tools and verification: social media intermediaries are expected to deploy reasonable technical tools, including automated checks, to verify AI content and user declarations.
These obligations apply to all major platforms operating in the indian wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital ecosystem — including Facebook, Instagram, twitter (X), YouTube, AI chatbot interfaces, and other intermediaries.
4. Scope of Content and Legal Consequences
The rules treat AI‑generated material used for unlawful activity the same as other illegal content, meaning platforms must act to prevent misuse including:
- Non‑consensual or sexual abuse content
- Fake or deceptive documents
- Child exploitation material
- Content involving fraud, misinformation or misrepresentation of individuals
Such content will be subject to penalties under indian criminal law frameworks like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the POCSO Act, and other relevant statutes.
5. User and Platform Accountability
To reinforce compliant behavior:
- Platforms must notify users at least once every three months (in english and select indian languages) about the rules and penalties for misuse of AI content.
- Misrepresentation in user declarations or failure to label AI content correctly can expose platforms and users to regulatory action, including loss of safe harbour protections.
Safe harbour protections under Section 79 of the IT Act remain intact for intermediaries that act in compliance with the new rules.
6. Broader Implications for wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital Policy
These regulatory changes place india among the early adopters of formal governance for AI‑generated content, comparable to evolving frameworks in other major jurisdictions. The tighter timelines and detailed compliance obligations signal India’s proactive stance in minimizing AI‑enabled harms while balancing innovation and wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital freedom.
Industry groups have raised concerns over feasibility and operational complexity of some measures, particularly with aggressive takedown deadlines and content labeling requirements, while wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital rights advocates have questioned the potential for over‑reach.
Conclusion: A New Era of AI Content Governance
India’s new AI content regulation marks a watershed in wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital policy — formally bringing synthetically generated content into a statutory regime with clear definitions, enforceable obligations, and accountability mechanisms. As platforms adapt and compliance becomes enforceable from february 20, 2026, these rules aim to curb misuse of deepfakes and misinformation while enhancing transparency for users navigating an AI‑rich online environment.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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