Fake news a serious threat to democracy: I&B Minister

New Delhi, Dec 3: Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday told the Lok Sabha that fake news and AI-generated deepfakes pose a “very serious” challenge to India’s democracy, stressing the need for tougher rules and faster action by social media platforms.

He said misuse of social media had created “ecosystems that do not wish to follow the Constitution or the laws passed by Parliament,” and warned that firm corrective measures were urgently required.

Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the House that new rules mandating takedown of harmful content within 36 hours had already been notified, while a draft rule on identifying and acting against AI-generated deepfakes is under public consultation.

He thanked the Parliamentary Committee led by Nishikant Dubey for its detailed recommendations on strengthening the legal framework.

The Minister said the challenge lies in balancing free speech with the need to protect democratic institutions.

He said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Digital India had transformed access to technology and empowered citizens, benefits that must be preserved while strengthening trust and accountability online.