MeitY invites comments on draft IT Rules to curb misuse of synthetically generated information (including deepfakes and other AI-generated content) till 06.11.2025

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 (“IT Rules, 2021”) to address the risks arising from the increasing use and misuse of synthetically generated information (including deepfakes and other AI-generated content).

The proposed amendments aim to strengthen due diligence obligations of intermediaries, particularly Social Media Intermediaries (“SMIs”) and Significant Social Media Intermediaries (“SSMIs”) and to promote user awareness, traceability, and accountability. The comments/suggestions may be provided in MS Word or PDF format by email to itrules.consultation@meity.gov.in with a rule-wise reference by 6th November 2025.

Key Proposals:

1. Definition of Synthetically Generated Information:
   • Introduces a new definition for “synthetically generated information” as content artificially or algorithmically created, generated, modified, or altered using a computer resource in a manner that appears reasonably authentic or true.
   • Clarifies that such information, when used to commit unlawful acts, shall fall within the scope of the existing IT Rules.
2. Protection for Intermediaries Acting in Good Faith:
   • Provides statutory protection to intermediaries removing or disabling access to synthetically generated information based on reasonable efforts or user grievances.
   • Ensures such removal actions do not affect safe harbour protection under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
3. Due Diligence for Synthetic Content Creation Platforms:
   • Mandates intermediaries offering tools for creation or modification of synthetic content to label or embed a permanent metadata or identifier within such content.
   • Requires visibility or audibility coverage of at least 10% of visual surface area or initial 10% of audio duration to indicate that the content is synthetically generated.
   • Prohibits intermediaries from modifying, suppressing, or removing such labels or identifiers.
4. Enhanced Obligations for Significant Social Media Intermediaries:
   • Requires SSMIs to obtain a user declaration confirming whether uploaded content is synthetically generated.
   • Mandates deployment of reasonable technical measures to verify user declarations.
   • Requires clear and prominent labelling or notice for all confirmed synthetically generated content displayed or published through the platform.

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Source: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology