India Outlines Measures to Combat Unlawful AI and Obscene Content

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed the Lok Sabha on August 5, 2026, that the Indian government remains committed to ensuring the internet is free from unlawful, vulgar, and obscene content. Minister of State L Murugan explained that the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the 2021 IT Rules establish the legal framework necessary to hold digital intermediaries accountable for the content they host.

To address emerging threats, the government amended the IT Rules on February 10, 2026, specifically targeting synthetically generated information. These amendments require platforms to implement technical measures to counter deepfakes and other AI-generated harmful content.

Supporting these regulatory efforts is a broader infrastructure for cyber safety. The government launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to facilitate public reports, including anonymous reporting for women and children. Additionally, the government allocated 132.93 crores under the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children scheme to fund forensic laboratories and personnel training across 33 states and Union Territories.