India to Tighten Rules as Fake News Endangers Democracy: Ashwini Vaishnaw
The Centre has introduced new rules requiring content removal within 36 hours and is consulting on a draft policy to tackle AI-generated deepfakes, reflecting growing concern over misinformation and democratic safety.
India’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has warned that fake news and AI-generated deepfakes pose a direct threat to the nation’s democracy, urging stronger regulation and faster enforcement mechanisms to counter misinformation.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the Minister called the issue “a very serious matter”, noting that certain online ecosystems are deliberately bypassing constitutional values and parliamentary laws. He stressed that misinformation, manipulated content, and deepfake videos are evolving in ways that demand decisive intervention, especially as artificial intelligence expands content creation and distribution at unprecedented speed.
Stricter rules and faster takedowns
Vaishnaw informed Parliament that the Government has already notified provisions mandating that flagged content must be taken down within thirty-six hours of reporting. In addition, a draft rule for combatting AI-generated deepfakes has been circulated for public and institutional consultation.
The Minister acknowledged the Parliamentary Committee’s contribution, thanking Nishikant Dubey and other members for producing a detailed report recommending structural improvements to the legal ecosystem governing digital misinformation.
Balancing freedom of speech with democratic responsibility
Addressing lawmakers’ concerns, Vaishnaw said the challenge lies in protecting democracy without compromising free expression. The Government, he noted, is approaching this balance with “full sensitivity”, recognising that platforms have empowered citizens but also created avenues for harm.
He highlighted the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India initiative, crediting it with democratising technology and expanding citizen access, while also reminding Parliament that strong regulatory institutions are necessary to preserve trust.
Deepfakes add urgency to regulation efforts
The rapid rise of AI-enabled image and video manipulation has intensified the threat landscape, influencing public opinion, electoral narratives, and national security considerations. Vaishnaw stressed that robust rules and compliance are required to ensure accountability from tech platforms, influencers, and content creators.
The road ahead
According to the Minister, India must simultaneously safeguard civil liberties, uphold democratic integrity, and ensure responsible innovation. Discussions with stakeholders on deepfake regulation are ongoing, signalling that updated technology-centric laws may soon follow.
For now, the Government says the priority remains clear — strengthen institutions and rebuild public trust, which Vaishnaw described as fundamental to social stability in a digital era.