In a move to tackle the growing concern over deepfake videos, the Indian government is set to introduce the Digital India Bill in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. The aim of the bill is not only to regulate online content but also to explore the proper utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Sources reveal that the legislation will address the challenges brought by deepfakes and AI-generated content and establish legal frameworks for their regulation.
The proliferation of deepfake videos has raised serious concerns across the globe. Deepfakes are manipulated videos or images that convincingly depict someone saying or doing something they didn’t actually say or do. These videos can be incredibly convincing and have the potential to deceive and manipulate viewers, posing significant risks to individuals, organizations, and even democracy itself.
According to lawyer and cyber expert Virag Gupta, the AI industry heavily relies on unauthorized usage of private and government data. In order to address the issue of deepfakes, it is crucial that rules pertaining to the Data Protection Law are notified. Additionally, tech giants and social media platforms must comply with IT intermediary rules and appoint grievance officers to handle complaints related to deepfakes. Platforms that contribute to the widespread creation and dissemination of deepfakes should be held accountable.
Gupta further emphasized the need for comprehensive laws on AI and a digital code of laws and rules that cover areas such as telecom, the internet, data protection, and AI. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, new areas like e-commerce, cryptocurrency, over-the-top (OTT) platforms, drones, fintech, and online gaming need to be regulated appropriately.
While discussions on the Digital India Act have been ongoing, the legislation is yet to be finalized. The government has, however, enacted new criminal laws that comprehensively cover offenses, procedures, and evidence. Previous discussions indicate that the Digital India Bill was an important agenda for the government, as the former Union Minister of State for IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, had hinted at its enactment and execution.
With the introduction of the Digital India Bill, India is taking a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by deepfakes and AI-generated content. By developing legal frameworks and regulations, the government aims to protect individuals from the potential harm caused by these manipulated videos while ensuring the responsible and ethical use of AI technology.
As the Monsoon Session of Parliament approaches, the government will work towards achieving a cross-party consensus on the Bill. It is imperative that all stakeholders come together to combat the rising threat of deepfakes and safeguard the integrity of online content.
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