Indian Government Tightens Rules On AI Deepfakes, 3-Hour Deadline For Takedowns

India is stepping up its fight against AI-generated deepfakes. Under new Information Technology rules, social media platforms will now have just three hours to remove AI-generated content flagged by the government or courts, a sharp cut from the earlier 36-hour window. The rules, effective February 20, also require platforms to clearly label posts created or altered by artificial intelligence, and prevent those labels from being removed. Companies like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X will have to deploy technology to detect and block deceptive or harmful AI media, including fake videos and documents. The government says the move is aimed at curbing misinformation and protecting users from digital manipulation. Routine edits like colour correction or subtitles will not be affected, but deliberate synthetic misrepresentation will be treated as unlawful. The message is clear: act fast on deepfakes, or face strict consequences.