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New Delhi: The Union government is drawing up a fresh set of regulations aimed at curbing fake news and artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes, which it sees as a growing threat to democratic processes. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that the Centre is working towards establishing a stronger institutional mechanism to counter misinformation and digitally manipulated content.
Responding to a supplementary question from MP Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, Vaishnaw said there is an urgent need for stricter action and tighter rules to deal with fake news, the misuse of social media platforms and the rapid spread of deepfake videos.
He described misinformation as a danger to democracy and stressed that the issue demands serious attention from lawmakers as well as regulators.
The minister noted that individuals and entities who deliberately circulate false claims often operate in violation of Indian laws, making stringent enforcement necessary. He added that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, chaired by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, has carried out substantial work on the matter and tabled its report in the House on Tuesday.
Vaishnaw also stated that the government is actively working towards framing new rules. He emphasised the need to strike a balance between safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting democratic institutions from the harmful impact of fabricated or misleading content. According to him, such regulation must ensure that the right to free speech is upheld while preventing the misuse of digital platforms to distort public discourse.
Meanwhile, In reply to another supplementary question concerning allegations of fake news broadcast by certain television channels and circulated on social media, Vaishnaw said that both the government and the Press Council of India actively scrutinise and act upon complaints received against any news outlet. He asserted that nothing can be justified or sold in the name of freedom of expression and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability within the media landscape.
Addressing a separate question on online betting, the minister said that the Narendra Modi government has enacted a stringent law to regulate online money gaming, which has brought relief to millions of families affected by unregulated and often predatory digital gambling platforms. He remarked that the government has never hesitated to take tough action against such malpractice.
