India Tightens AI Rules and Deepfake Content Removal Deadlines

The Government of India has intensified its regulatory crackdown on deepfakes and synthetic media by amending the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021. In reports to the Lok Sabha on August 5 and 6, 2026, officials detailed a significant reduction in response times for digital intermediaries. Platforms must now remove unlawful content within three hours of receiving a valid notice, down from 36 hours. For sensitive cases involving impersonation or nudity, the grievance redressal window has been shortened from 24 hours to two hours.

Under the new framework, platforms are required to label permissible AI-generated content with traceable metadata and implement technical measures to block non-consensual intimate imagery and child sexual abuse material. Failure to comply may result in the loss of safe-harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act, making platforms liable for prosecution.

To support these regulations, the government is deploying detection tools such as the Saakshya multi-agent framework and the SAHYOG Portal for centralized removal notices. Additional efforts include the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and a 132.93 crore rupee allocation for forensic laboratories and personnel training under the 'Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children' scheme across 33 states and Union Territories.