Recognizing the critical need for robust safeguards, the Central Government has been working to establish clear guidelines for managing AI and digital information.
NEW DELHI: On July 24, 2024, The Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada highlighted the government’s proactive approach to digital governance and data protection in a written response to a Lok Sabha question.
The government announced its commitment to ensuring the safety and trustworthiness of Artificial Intelligence through a series of regulatory measures. Recognizing the critical need for robust safeguards, the Central Government has been working to establish clear guidelines for managing AI and digital information.
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Union Minister, Jitin Prasada, detailed the steps being taken to address concerns surrounding AI and digital data. The government has implemented the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“IT Rules, 2021”), which were first notified on February 25, 2021, and have since been updated on October 28, 2022, and April 6, 2023. These rules impose specific legal obligations on intermediaries, including social media platforms, to actively combat prohibited misinformation, patently false information, and deep fakes.Under the IT Rules, 2021, intermediaries are required to take prompt action against such harmful content to maintain a safe and trusted online environment. Failure to comply with these obligations results in the loss of “safe harbour” protection under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, potentially leading to legal consequences or prosecution.
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Additionally, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, enacted on August 11, 2023, further strengthens digital privacy protections. This Act mandates that Data Fiduciaries—entities responsible for handling personal data—must safeguard digital personal data and uphold the rights and duties of Data Principals.These measures are part of the government’s broader strategy to address the challenges posed by AI and digital misinformation, ensuring that technological advancements align with the principles of safety, accountability, and transparency.
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