Responding to the growing apprehensions surrounding the proliferation of AI-generated deepfakes, Union Minister of State for Electronics & Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, announced on Tuesday that the Centre is set to introduce new IT rules within the next 7-8 days.

Chandrasekhar underscored the government's commitment to ensuring a secure online environment for all Indians and outlined the forthcoming rules' purpose to address this crucial objective. Recognizing the dual nature of technological advancements, he emphasized the need to cultivate an open, secure, and accountable Internet atmosphere, acknowledging the challenges and risks involved.

"Every innovation brings both benefits and challenges. Our policies, rules, and outlook prioritize an open, safe, and accountable internet. It is our responsibility to ensure every Indian feels secure and trusts the internet. We will establish rules and laws accordingly. Regarding the deepfake issue, we have issued an advisory. Additionally, new IT rules will be notified soon," stated Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Chandrasekhar focused on two key provisions within the current IT rules, specifically addressing misinformation and deepfakes, highlighting the mandatory compliance with these provisions. He disclosed that an advisory had already been issued, and the formal notification of the new IT rules is anticipated within the next 7-8 days.

In December of the preceding year, the Centre issued an advisory to all social media platforms, instructing them to comply with the existing IT rules. The advisory mandated clear communication of prohibited content to users and stressed the importance of informing users about penal provisions, including those outlined in the IPC and the IT Act 2000.

Deepfakes, which involve the use of artificial intelligence to create convincingly manipulated and altered synthetic media, have stirred significant apprehension due to their potential misuse for fabricating deceptive content. The issuance of advisories and the imminent introduction of new IT rules reflect the government's proactive response to these concerns, aiming to regulate and mitigate the risks associated with deepfakes.