The Union government is gearing up to introduce stronger, more aggressive rules to curb fake news and rapidly spreading AI-generated deepfakes, a rising digital menace that the Centre believes poses a serious threat to India’s democratic fabric.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, confirmed that the government is developing a new institutional mechanism designed to counter misinformation, digitally manipulated videos, and the misuse of social media platforms at scale.
The announcement comes at a time when deepfake technology has become more accessible than ever, allowing bad actors to fabricate videos that appear almost indistinguishable from reality. Lawmakers across party lines have expressed concern over how such content can distort public opinion, spark tension, and disrupt elections.
‘Fake news is a danger to democracy’: Vaishnaw
Responding to a question raised by MP Rajesh Ranjan (Pappu Yadav), the minister warned that fake news creators and digital manipulators often operate in violation of Indian laws, and therefore require stricter enforcement and tighter regulation.
Calling misinformation a “serious danger to democracy”, Vaishnaw stressed that legislative action is essential to protect citizens from coordinated misinformation campaigns.
He also acknowledged the work done by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT, led by MP Nishikant Dubey, which recently submitted a detailed report recommending urgent action against deepfakes.
New rules being drafted to balance free speech and safety
The minister said the Centre is in the process of framing new, comprehensive rules aimed at:
●Preventing the misuse of AI tools
●Holding platforms accountable
●Ensuring rapid removal of fabricated content
●Penalising creators and amplifiers of misinformation
Importantly, Vaishnaw emphasised that the government aims to strike the right balance: protecting freedom of expression while preventing its misuse to spread lies, create panic, or manipulate public discourse.
“No one can justify wrongdoing in the name of free speech,” the minister said, highlighting that both the government and the Press Council of India regularly examine complaints against television news channels, social media content, and digital publishers.
Government cracks down on fake news on TV and social media
When asked about the spread of fake news on television channels, Vaishnaw reiterated that action is taken whenever credible complaints arise. The government is pushing for stricter accountability across news platforms, including traditional media and digital outlets.
He said that misinformation must be confronted with clear laws, transparent enforcement, and responsible journalism, adding that maintaining public trust is crucial for a healthy democracy.
Tougher laws announced to curb online betting
Addressing a separate question, Vaishnaw highlighted the Narendra Modi government’s decision to bring in a stringent new law regulating online money gaming and betting. He said the law has already brought relief to families who had suffered due to unregulated gambling platforms and predatory digital apps.
The minister said the government would continue taking tough action against online betting syndicates, illegal apps, and fraudsters targeting vulnerable users.
A new digital safety framework is coming
India is now preparing one of the strongest regulatory frameworks for:
●AI-generated deepfake content
●Fake news and manipulated media
●Misuse of social media
●Online betting and illegal gambling
The new rules are expected to be rolled out soon, with the government signalling its determination to safeguard public discourse, protect democratic institutions, and ensure responsible use of emerging technologies.
