India Updates IT Rules to Regulate AI-Generated Content Amid Rise in Deepfake Videos

AI-generated videos and images are increasingly being shared online, making it harder for people to tell what is real and what is fake. In recent weeks, several AI-generated images circulated on X, including altered images of public figures, highlighting growing concerns around misuse and online harm. Against this backdrop, India has updated its IT rules to regulate content created using artificial intelligence.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announced changes to the IT Intermediary Rules on 10 February 2026. These new rules will come into effect from 20 February 2026.

Under the update, the government has clearly defined what counts as AI-generated content. This includes audio, images, and videos created or altered using AI tools that closely resemble real people, places, or events.

Basic photo or video editing, formatting, compression, subtitles, accessibility improvements, and training data use are not covered, as long as they do not mislead viewers.

 

If AI-generated content is used for illegal purposes, it will be treated the same way as real content under the law. Online platforms are allowed to remove such content using technical tools without losing their legal protection. Making these online social media platforms more accountable.

All Content that could mislead people or impersonate someone must carry clear labels showing it was made using AI.

Large social media platforms will also ask users to declare whether their uploads are AI-generated and take steps to verify this information. Platforms that fail to act against illegal AI content may face consequences for not following due diligence rules.

The amendments also shorten several compliance timelines, signalling a tougher stance on harmful online content. In some cases, platforms will now have just three hours to act on lawful orders or complaints, compared to 36 hours earlier. Other response deadlines have also been reduced, including from 15 days to seven days and from 24 hours to 12 hours, depending on the nature of the violation.

The updated rules also speed up response timelines for government orders and replace references to the Indian Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.