New Delhi: Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar called upon social media platforms to fulfil their legal obligations in combating misinformation after the latest deepfake video involving popular actor Rashmika Mandanna went viral. Responding to the deepfake video, Rajeev Chandrasekhar took to X, to emphasise the imperative need to address such "damaging misinformation" on these platforms. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and trust of all digital citizens using the internet.
Chandrasekhar pointed out the legal obligations placed on social media platforms under the Information Technology (IT) rules, which were notified in April 2023. These rules mandate platforms to prevent the dissemination of misinformation and promptly remove it upon reporting by users or the government.
"PM @narendramodi ji's Govt is committed to ensuring the Safety and Trust of all Digital Nagriks using Internet, Under the IT rules notified in April 2023 - it is a legal obligation for platforms to ensure no misinformation is posted by any user and to remove that when reported by any user or government," Minister's X post read.
"If platforms do not comply with this, they can be taken to court by the aggrieved person under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code. Deep fakes are the latest and even more dangerous and damaging form of misinformation and need to be dealt with by platforms," added Chandrasekhar.
The viral deepfake video featuring Rashmika Mandanna has caused a significant uproar on the internet, amassing more than 14 million views since its posting. Journalist Abhishek Kumar shared the video on X, mentioning the urgent need for a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to address deepfake incidents in India.