India's federal government has introduced new regulations regarding artificial intelligence content on social media, which will take effect on February 20. These regulations mandate that AI-generated content must be clearly labeled as such, ensuring transparency for users. Additionally, the government has significantly shortened the timeframe that social media platforms are allowed to take down illegal content, including non-consensual deepfakes, from 36 hours to as little as two hours.

The new rules also stipulate that content deemed illegal by a court or an appropriate government authority must be removed within three hours. This initiative highlights India's commitment to tackling the growing concerns surrounding misinformation and the potential harms associated with AI-generated media. The draft rules allow for some flexibility, as platforms can determine how to manage the labeling, but they must still comply with the stipulation that at least 10% of any AI-generated imagery is covered by a disclosure.

These measures come amid increasing incidents of misuse of AI-generated content, especially around issues of privacy and consent. By imposing these regulations, India is not only aiming to protect citizens from harmful content online but is also establishing a precedent for how AI technologies are governed in relation to social media usage. It represents a significant step in regulating the nascent field of AI and highlights the importance of safeguarding user rights in the digital landscape.