MeitY Mandates Strict Deepfake Labelling and Two-Hour Takedowns

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has announced stricter regulations for deepfakes and artificial intelligence generated content, mandating clear labelling and faster takedown timelines for unlawful material. Under the revised Information Technology rules amended on February 10, 2026, platforms must now address complaints involving sensitive categories such as nudity and impersonation within two hours, replacing the previous 24-hour window.

The new framework requires intermediaries to ensure that permissible artificial intelligence content carries clear labels and traceable metadata, allowing users to easily identify synthetically created material. MeitY highlighted that the India AI Governance Guidelines released in November 2025 provide a risk-based framework for responsible development, while 13 responsible artificial intelligence projects focusing on deepfake detection have been approved across major academic institutions.

Citizens can report deepfake related offenses via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or helpline 1930. This regulatory tightening aims to curb rampant digital impersonation and protect everyday internet users from sophisticated audio-visual forgeries as synthetic media usage grows across the country.