Explain how fake news and disinformation pose a threat to Internal Security and Public Order in the Indian context. In this regard, discuss the salient features of amendments made to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Explain how fake news and disinformation pose a threat to Internal Security and Public Order in the Indian context. In this regard, discuss the salient features of amendments made to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
The escalation of sophisticated disinformation poses systemic threats to India’s communal harmony, necessitating the enforcement of the Information Technology Rules 2021. According to the NCRB, digital offences are rising, prompting regulatory oversight by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Threats to Internal Security and Public Order
-
Communal Violence: Fabricated narratives trigger physical clashes.
- Eg: False reports in Manipur, March 2026.
-
Institutional Trust: Deepfakes malign constitutional bodies and forces.
- Eg: Operation Sindoor blocked 1,400 URLs targeting the Indian Army in 2025.
-
Democratic Processes: Disinformation influences voter behavior and election stability.
- Eg: AI disinformation targeted state polls in late 2025.
-
Economic Destabilization: Fake financial news triggers market panic.
- Eg: BSE CEO deepfake video, March 2026.
-
Radicalization: Encrypted platforms spread extremist ideologies.
- Eg: WhatsApp content reaching 535 million Indian users.
Salient Features of the IT Amendment Rules 2026
-
SGI Regulation: Rules mandate identification and labeling of AI-modified content.
- Eg: Intermediaries must ensure immutable metadata.
-
Takedown Timelines: Unlawful content must be removed within three hours.
- Eg: Rapid removal prevents viral spread.
-
Grievance Redressal: User grievance resolution timeline shortened to 7 days.
- Eg: Unlawful content addressed within 36 hours.
-
User Declarations: Intermediaries must obtain explicit declarations regarding synthetic content.
- Eg: Accountability for creators using generative AI.
-
Technical Safeguards: Platforms must implement measures against policy violations.
- Eg: Combatting 900 percent growth in deepfake incidents projected for 2026.
Adhering to the Information Technology Act 2000 while respecting Supreme Court guidelines on Article 19(2) is vital. Future stability relies on balancing regulatory oversight by MeitY with robust digital literacy initiatives.
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