The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued draft amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, aimed at regulating synthetically generated content, including deepfakes. The ministry has invited public and stakeholder feedback on the proposed rules by 6 November 2025.
The amendments follow concerns over the use of generative artificial intelligence to disseminate misinformation, influence electoral processes, and impersonate individuals. In a statement, MeitY said, “The government remains committed to ensuring an open, safe, trusted, and accountable internet as synthetic content becomes increasingly prevalent online.”
The draft introduces a formal definition of “synthetically generated information” and proposes mandatory labelling to help users differentiate between real and artificial content. It also includes requirements for visible and audible disclosures, covering at least 10 per cent of the screen or initial audio duration.
Under the proposed rules, significant social media intermediaries would need to adopt technical tools to detect and label synthetically generated content. Platforms that facilitate the creation or modification of AI-generated material would also be required to meet due diligence obligations.
According to the ministry, the proposals are intended to balance user protection with continued innovation in AI. MeitY stated that the measures aim to “promote transparency, enhance traceability, and build accountability among intermediaries while allowing continued development of generative AI applications.”
The draft notification, a plain-language explanatory note, and a consolidated version of the amended IT Rules, 2021, are available on the MeitY website. The ministry noted that all submissions would be handled in fiduciary capacity to “encourage open and uninhibited feedback from stakeholders.”
