India well-equipped to tackle evolving online harms, cyber crimes: Govt tells Parliament

In a recent statement made in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, highlighted India’s robust cyber legal framework designed to combat the increasing threats posed by online harms and cyber crimes. This framework is underpinned by significant legislation including the IT Act and supported by key institutions like the GAC, CERT-In, and I4C. Prasada emphasized the government's awareness of the dangers associated with AI-generated deepfakes, which can severely affect individuals’ dignity, reputation, and privacy. He stated that such technologies raise critical questions about accountability on digital platforms, necessitating a strong regulatory response from the state. To address these challenges, the Indian government has crafted a comprehensive legal structure that tackles various forms of AI-generated content. The Information Technology Act of 2000 plays a pivotal role in this framework, criminalizing acts such as identity theft and privacy violations. It also grants authorities the power to issue blocking orders and takedown notices to digital intermediaries. In addition, the updated Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules require digital platforms to maintain due diligence, preventing the hosting of illegal content and ensuring accountability. The newly enacted Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, further mandates that data fiduciaries, including those in the AI sector, process personal data only with user consent, allowing penalties for unauthorized use of personal data in deepfakes. Moreover, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, targets misinformation and organized cybercrime, while recent advisories have urged intermediaries to swiftly remove deepfake content and educate users about misleading information. India's cyber ecosystem is bolstered by initiatives from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the SAHYOG Portal, which facilitate the coordinated removal of illegal content. Citizens are encouraged to report cyber incidents via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or by contacting the helpline at 1930. Additionally, CERT-In is actively providing guidance on emerging AI threats and enhancing public awareness through campaigns like Cyber Jagrookta Diwas and National Cyber Security Awareness Month.