According to reports, the government is likely to reissue an advisory to social media and online brokers asking them to be vigilant and quickly remove deeply fake photos and videos.

There are provisions in the IT (Information Technology) Rules and the IT Act that require immediate removal of deeply false content, classifying it as false information.

While this type of technology is expected to be more easily used in content creation, platforms should be extra careful when enabling it, especially if it involves a prominent public figure, as per reports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue in relation to a fake video of him performing the Garba dance. He warned that deep fakes can cause great harm by spreading misinformation, which he says is a serious threat.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a notice to all social media and online intermediaries asking them to take strict action against deep fake content under the provisions of the IT Rules and IT Act.

Both the IT Act and IT Rules have clear instructions that place the onus on social media, intermediaries to ensure such deep-fake videos or photos. In case of failure, there are provisions for imprisonment of up to three years of a fine of one lakh.

While Section 3(1)(b)(vii) of the IT Rules requires social media intermediaries to ensure that a user of their platform does not host content impersonating another person, Section 3(2)(b) requires the removal of such content. Within 24 hours of receiving a complaint about such content.