Indian government urges social media action against misinformation and deepfakes
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in India has recently issued an advisory to social media intermediaries, urging them to identify and combat misinformation and deepfakes. These intermediaries are required to exercise due diligence and make reasonable efforts to identify content that violates rules, regulations, and user agreements.
The advisory emphasizes the importance of swift action in dealing with such cases. Social media platforms are instructed to remove reported content within 36 hours of receiving a complaint and ensure prompt and efficient action is taken. This includes disabling access to the content and information in question.
Deepfakes are videos created using artificial intelligence tools to digitally alter faces and bodies, making it appear as if someone else is featured. These manipulations are typically done maliciously or with the intention to spread false information.
This advisory from the Indian government aims to combat the growing threat of misinformation and deepfakes on social media platforms. By urging intermediaries to be proactive in identifying and removing such content, the government hopes to prevent the spread of false information and the potential harm it can cause.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s advisory serves as a reminder to social media platforms to prioritize the fight against misinformation and deepfakes. By implementing measures to swiftly address reported content, these platforms can help maintain the integrity of information shared on their platforms and protect users from being misled.
As the internet becomes a dominant source for news and information, it is crucial for social media platforms to play an active role in combating the spread of misinformation. The Indian government’s advisory serves as a step in the right direction, emphasizing the importance of diligence and accountability on the part of social media intermediaries.
In conclusion, the issuance of this advisory by the Indian government highlights the need for social media platforms to take action against misinformation and deepfakes. By promptly identifying and removing such content, these platforms can contribute to a more informed and trustworthy online environment. The fight against misinformation requires collective efforts, and the government’s advisory serves as a call to action for social media intermediaries to play their part.