New Delhi: Crores of Indians uploading personal images and information to artificial intelligence applications will now have stronger legal safeguards, the government informed Parliament, during the Winter Session. Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw said that personal photos, biometric details and all digital personal information shared with AI platforms are covered under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.
The law gives individuals enforceable rights over their data while placing strict responsibilities on companies processing it. Compliance will be monitored by the Data Protection Board, comprising a Chairperson and four Members appointed through a Search-cum-Selection Committee. The Board will handle complaints, ensure adherence and impose penalties for violations.
The clarification comes amid growing concerns over deepfakes, morphed images and synthetic media that may harm individuals or spread misinformation.
The IT Ministry has issued advisories to platforms over the years, reminding them of obligations under the IT Rules, 2021.
Recently, the ministry has proposed mandatory disclosure as well as labelling of AI content on social media platforms through a draft amendment to the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Additionally, under the IndiaAI Mission, three deepfake detection projects have been selected, including initiatives by IIT Jodhpur, IIT Madras, IIT Mandi and IIT Kharagpur.
