Last Updated on February 16, 2026 6:24 pm by BIZNAMA NEWS
ANDALIB AKHTER
Amid rising concerns over artificial intelligence misuse, India has intensified efforts to combat deepfakes and digital disinformation through both domestic regulation and international cooperation. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, emphasized that “innovation without trust is a liability,” underlining the urgent need to protect societies from AI-driven manipulation.
Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit during a fireside conversation titled Rewarding Our Creative Future in the Age of AI, organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the minister revealed that India is currently in discussions with ministers from more than 30 countries to develop coordinated global technical and legal frameworks. The talks aim to address the growing threat of persistent misinformation, disinformation, and deepfakes that undermine public trust and institutional stability.
Vaishnaw warned that deepfakes are “attacking the foundation of society,” eroding trust within families, social identities, and governance structures. He stressed that safeguarding trust is essential to preserving democratic values, including freedom of speech. According to him, protecting authenticity in the digital age must become a shared responsibility among governments, AI developers, social media platforms, and content creators.
To tackle the issue, the government is working on strict regulatory measures that would mandate watermarking and labeling of AI-generated content. These steps are designed to preserve the authenticity of human creativity and ensure transparency in digital media. Deepfakes and data breaches, the minister said, must be treated as “non-negotiable” threats requiring decisive action.
He also highlighted the need for AI systems to incorporate technical guardrails and safety features. Collaboration with industry stakeholders is ongoing to build these safeguards into AI models. At the same time, India is focusing on expanding its talent pipeline through initiatives such as the upcoming “Create in India Mission,” modeled on the Semiconductor Mission, to prepare future-ready professionals for the next 25 years.
Vaishnaw clarified that AI is not a threat to creativity but an opportunity for growth—provided it is supported by strong copyright and intellectual property protections. The goal, he said, is to ensure AI complements human innovation rather than dilutes it, positioning India as a global leader in responsible AI adoption.
