Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Engages Stakeholders in Proactive Fight Against Deepfake Threat
In response to the escalating global concern over the perilous impact of deepfake technology on democracy and social institutions, the Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, spearheaded a crucial discussion today. The meeting involved key stakeholders, including representatives from academia, industry bodies, and major social media companies, to address the pressing challenges posed by the proliferation of deepfake content.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has consistently urged social media intermediaries to exercise diligence and promptly take action against deepfake content. Minister Vaishnaw’s interactive session emphasized the need for a collective and effective response to combat the deepfake menace.
The consensus reached during the deliberations outlines a collaborative effort between the government, academia, social media companies, and NASSCOM to formulate a robust strategy against deepfake threats. The stakeholders committed to identifying actionable measures within the next 10 days, focusing on four key pillars:
- Detection: A proactive approach to identify deepfake content before and after it is posted.
- Prevention: Establishing an effective mechanism to prevent the spread of deepfake content.
- Reporting: Developing an efficient reporting and grievance redressal system for swift action.
- Awareness: Launching mass awareness campaigns to educate the public on the implications of deepfake technology.
Furthermore, MeitY has announced an immediate initiative to assess and draft necessary regulations to curb the deepfake menace. To encourage public participation, the ministry will invite comments on the MyGov portal. A follow-up meeting with stakeholders is scheduled for the first week of December 2023 to finalize the comprehensive four-pillared structure.
The Government of India reiterates its unwavering commitment to tackling the growing threat of deepfake through technological solutions and widespread public awareness. This proactive stance reflects the nation’s dedication to preserving the integrity of democratic processes and social institutions in the face of evolving technological challenges.
