Today, On 24th March, The Delhi High Court has given a three-month deadline to a designated panel to submit a comprehensive report on deepfakes. The court emphasized the urgency of addressing the growing threat posed by AI-generated fake content. It stressed the need for concrete recommendations to tackle misuse and regulatory gaps. The panel’s findings are expected to shape future legal frameworks on deepfake technology.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court granted additional time to a panel established to examine the issue of deepfakes and submit its report.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela instructed the committee to also take into account the suggestions from the petitioners during its examination of the matter.
The bench noted,
“By the next date, we expect that the committee shall complete its deliberations and submit its report.”
The case is scheduled to be heard again on July 21.
The court considering three petitions regarding the lack of regulation surrounding deepfake technology in the country and the potential risks associated with its misuse.
Deepfake technology allows for the creation of realistic videos, audio recordings, and images that can manipulate viewers by superimposing one person’s likeness onto another, altering their words and actions, thus spreading disinformation.
Also Read: Legal Challenges in Regulating Deepfake Technology: Key Issues & Future Implications
The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had announced the formation of a committee on November 20, 2024, to address this issue. On Monday, the counsel for MeitY submitted a status report indicating that the committee had conducted two meetings.
The counsel for the committee indicated that further deliberation was necessary and requested three months to submit a comprehensive report.
In November 2024, the court instructed the Centre to appoint members to the committee.
One of the petitions, filed by journalist Rajat Sharma, seeks regulation of deepfake technology in the country and demands measures to block public access to apps and software that facilitate the creation of such content.
Another petition was submitted by lawyer Chaitanya Rohilla, addressing the issue of deepfakes and the unregulated use of artificial intelligence.
Sharma, who is the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Independent News Service Private Limited (INDIA TV), stated in his public interest litigation (PIL) that the spread of deepfake technology presents a significant threat to various societal aspects, including misinformation and disinformation campaigns, ultimately undermining the integrity of public discourse and the democratic process.
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