The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified significant amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021), with the latest major notification in February 2026 focusing on regulating AI-generated content and reducing grievance response timelines. meity.gov.in +1
Here are the key details of the new IT Rules amendment (2026):
- Deepfake & AI Regulation: The rules now formally bring “Synthetically Generated Information” (SGI) under a formal regulatory framework. Intermediaries must ensure that content created or altered using AI, which appears real (deepfakes, AI-generated voices), is labeled with visible markers.
- Traceability of AI Content: Platforms are required to embed metadata and unique identifiers in all SGI so it can be traced back to its source, which cannot be modified or deleted.
- Reduced Removal Timelines: The time for intermediaries to remove unlawful content after “actual knowledge” (via court order or government notice) has been sharply reduced from 36 hours to 3 hours.
- Grievance Redressal: The timeline for disposing of user grievances has been reduced to 7 days (from 15 days), with special cases needing action within 36 hours.
- Safe Harbour Impact: If platforms knowingly fail to label AI content or act against prohibited content, they will forfeit their “safe harbour” protection under Section 79 of the IT Act.
- Implementation: The amendments notified on February 10, 2026 (G.S.R. 120(E)), were aimed at quick compliance.
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Important Distinctions:
- These are IT (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules aimed at social media and AI platforms.
- Note: The Ministry of Finance has also notified Income Tax Rules, 2026 which come into force from April 1, 2026, which are entirely separate.
These changes aim to strengthen online safety, accountability, and the protection of individuals against impersonation and deepfakes.
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