Amidst protests linked to the CJP, the government has taken significant steps regarding social media. Social media companies have been asked to take action against AI-edited videos related to the protests.
Protests in Delhi: Social Media Advisory
Amidst protests linked to the CJP and demands for the Chief Justice’s resignation, the central government has issued an advisory to social media companies. They have been instructed to prioritize action on complaints from government agencies regarding illegal posts related to the protests.
The government is concerned that false, misleading, or altered images and videos related to the protests are being shared on social media. Some posts may be presented out of context. Such content can spread confusion, disturb the peace, and incite violence. The government has asked platforms to identify such posts and take timely action upon receiving complaints.
Prioritize complaints from government agencies
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has asked major social media companies to prioritize complaints from authorized government agencies (including law enforcement agencies). Platforms should monitor content related to the ongoing protests in Delhi that could be illegal.
Upon receiving a complaint, platforms must examine the post and take necessary action. The government emphasizes that misinformation can spread rapidly and create confusion; therefore, companies must act on such complaints without delay.
Mandatory labeling of AI-generated posts
The government advisory also addresses images and videos created using AI (Artificial Intelligence). Social media companies have been directed to label content as ‘AI-generated,’ particularly when it is shared as authentic photographs or footage of the ongoing protests or events in Delhi.
In recent times, creating images and videos—or altering existing ones—using AI tools has become very easy. Consequently, without an AI label, such posts can appear authentic to viewers, making it difficult for them to distinguish between actual event footage and AI-generated content. Labels will help users recognize this distinction. The government has instructed platforms to prioritize identifying and labeling such posts.
Agencies must be provided with timely information. Social media companies have been asked to cooperate immediately with law enforcement agencies and other authorized government bodies. This entails providing necessary information and assistance in accordance with the law. Companies are required to fulfill these obligations within the framework of applicable laws and stipulated timeframes; the advisory specifically references the timelines prescribed under the ‘Information Technology Rules, 2021.’
Simply put, social media companies must promptly address complaints and requests from government agencies and respond without delay. This is because misleading posts regarding the ongoing protests in Delhi could impact peace and law and order. Therefore, all platforms have been directed to investigate reported complaints and take timely action where necessary.