India to take strong action against deepfake videos: Penalties for creators and platforms likely
In a crucial step to counter the escalating threat posed by deepfake videos, the Government of India is set to introduce new regulations or amend existing laws. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw disclosed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) plan to address the urgent need for building trust in society and democracy. Deepfakes, hyper-realistic fake videos or audio, have become a significant concern, particularly after the viral spread of such content featuring Bollywood actresses, models and other celebrities. The ministry attributes the rapid dissemination of deepfake videos to the widespread use of social media platforms and it emphasised the need for stringent measures.
Minister Vaishnaw convened a meeting with representatives from various companies, NASSCOM, and AI experts. The discussion focused on four key aspects: detecting deepfakes, preventing their dissemination, strengthening reporting mechanisms, and raising awareness. The Minister announced that actionable measures on these fronts would be developed within 10 days, Business Today reported.
The meeting, attended by social media platforms, AI tool providers, NASSCOM, and AI professors, resulted in a consensus on the urgency of robust regulations. The drafting of these regulations against deepfake videos is set to commence immediately.
Minister Vaishnaw emphasised the shared responsibility of both creators and host platforms. Despite challenges in defeating labelling and watermarking, he underscored the necessity for effective solutions. While acknowledging the availability of advanced technologies for deepfake detection, the Minister recognized the ongoing cat-and-mouse game with those attempting to make deepfakes more elusive.
The Minister
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