India’s government has introduced significant amendments to its Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2026, aimed at regulating AI-generated and synthetic content on digital platforms. These changes — notified on February 10, 2026 and coming into force on February 20 — require social media platforms and intermediaries to clearly label AI-created or modified content so users can easily identify it. The label must be prominent and, where technically feasible, supported by embedded metadata or unique identifiers indicating its synthetic origin.
Under the updated rules, platforms must intervene swiftly when unlawful or harmful AI content is flagged. One of the biggest shifts is a drastic reduction in the timeline for responding to lawful takedown orders — from 36 hours to just three hours — to curb the rapid spread of misleading or illegal deepfakes and other synthetic material. Grievance redressal timelines have also been tightened for faster user complaints resolution.
The amended framework defines “synthetically generated information” as audio, visual, or audiovisual content created or altered using computer tools in a way that appears real or authentic. Routine editing or benign enhancements are not treated as synthetic content under the rules. Platforms must ask users to declare whether their uploads are AI-generated and deploy automated tools to verify these declarations before publishing. Failure to comply could be viewed as a breach of due diligence and affect a platform’s legal protections.
Beyond labeling and takedown obligations, the rules also direct platforms to use technical safeguards to prevent the creation and sharing of illegal AI content — such as non-consensual deepfakes, child abuse material, or falsely manipulated documents — and hold platforms accountable for misuse. These measures reflect a broader effort by Indian regulators to enhance transparency, accountability, and user safety in the face of growing AI-enabled misinformation and synthetic media challenges.
