New Delhi: In a significant move to tackle the growing threat of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfakes, fake videos, and misleading online content, the Government of India has introduced stricter compliance requirements for social media platforms. Under the amended Information Technology (IT) Rules, social media intermediaries will now be required to act much faster against sensitive and harmful content. The revised provisions mandate that sensitive posts be removed within two hours, down from the earlier 24-hour deadline, while illegal AI-generated deepfake content must now be taken down within three hours, instead of the previous 36-hour limit. The government said the changes are intended to curb the spread of false, misleading, and harmful content across digital platforms.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced that the amendments to the Information Technology Rules, 2021, came into effect on February 10, 2026. According to the ministry, the changes were introduced in response to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and the increasing misuse of deepfake technology. The revised framework aims to strengthen user safety while enhancing the accountability of digital intermediaries.
The updated rules also shorten the grievance redressal timeline for complaints related to obscene, misleading, and other objectionable content. Social media platforms previously had 72 hours to address such complaints; the revised rules reduce this period to 36 hours. The government believes that quicker resolution of complaints will help limit the spread of misinformation, fake content, and online harassment more effectively.
The amendments also place greater responsibility on social media companies to clearly inform users about the types of content that violate platform policies and applicable laws. Platforms must explain the consequences of posting or sharing prohibited content, enabling users to better understand their rights, responsibilities, and the platform’s enforcement policies.
In addition, every social media intermediary is now required to appoint a designated grievance officer responsible for ensuring that complaints are addressed within the prescribed timelines. The officer will be expected to oversee complaint resolution, coordinate with regulatory authorities where necessary, and ensure compliance with the revised legal framework. The government said this requirement is intended to make grievance handling more transparent and accountable.
Authorities have also warned that failure to comply with the prescribed timelines could result in regulatory action under the Information Technology Rules. Officials said timely compliance is now a mandatory obligation for all digital intermediaries, and platforms that fail to meet these requirements may face legal consequences under the applicable provisions. The objective is to ensure that social media companies take greater responsibility for protecting users and maintaining a safer online environment.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said deepfake technology is increasingly being exploited for financial fraud, identity theft, political misinformation, blackmail, and sophisticated social engineering attacks. He described the reduced takedown timelines as an important step toward strengthening digital security but stressed that public awareness remains equally critical. He advised users to verify the authenticity of videos, audio clips, photographs, and social media posts before trusting or sharing them, report suspicious content immediately, and rely only on verified official sources for sensitive information.
Experts believe that as AI technology continues to evolve, incidents involving deepfakes and digitally manipulated content are also likely to increase. They say that a combination of strong regulatory oversight, faster grievance redressal, greater platform accountability, and increased user awareness will be essential to building a safer and more trustworthy digital ecosystem.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
