Ashwini Vaishnaw Flags Rising Danger of Fake News, Deepfakes in India

New Delhi, 03 December 2025 — Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has sounded a strong warning in the Lok Sabha, stating that fake news and AI-driven deepfakes pose a serious threat to India’s democratic fabric. During his address, the Minister emphasised the urgent need for decisive legal and regulatory measures to curb misinformation and restore public trust in social media platforms.

Social Media: Opportunity — and Risk

Vaishnaw acknowledged the transformational power of digital platforms under the government’s Digital India programme, which has democratised access to information and empowered millions of citizens. However, he warned that this same empowerment has created “ecosystems” in which certain actors flout the Constitution and evade laws enacted by Parliament. The result, he said, is an alarming rise in the dissemination of misleading content and fabricated information, which can erode public trust, provoke social discord, and undermine democratic institutions.

Legal Safeguards: New Rules and Deepfake Provisions

In response to concerns over misinformation, the Minister noted that new rules have recently been introduced requiring takedown of flagged content within 36 hours. He also announced that a draft rule specifically addressing AI-generated deepfakes has been published and is currently under consultation. These draft rules would allow authorities to identify and act upon deepfakes, potentially limiting their spread before harm is done.

Vaishnaw expressed appreciation for the work of the relevant parliamentary committee, especially acknowledging Nishikant Dubey and other members for their detailed report with recommendations aimed at strengthening India’s legal framework on digital misinformation.

Balancing Free Speech and Responsibility

While advocating for stricter regulation, the Minister stressed that protecting democracy does not mean compromising the fundamental right to free speech. Rather, he argued, the challenge is to strike a careful balance — ensuring that freedom of expression coexists with accountability and responsibility. The government, he affirmed, is working with full sensitivity to respect civil liberties while protecting society from the harms of misinformation.

Building Trust Through Regulation and Institutions

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government aims to strengthen institutions, promote digital literacy, and foster public trust as the foundation of a robust digital society. The Minister underlined that measures against fake news and deepfakes are part of a broader effort to safeguard social cohesion, preserve democratic values, and ensure that technology remains a force for good.

As consultations on the deepfake-specific rules continue, stakeholders across government, civil society and the tech industry will be watching closely — with the hope that India’s legal response to misinformation will set global standards while preserving the open nature of digital discourse.