Govt strengthens fake news, deepfake fight across media, upholds free speech

• Government strengthens its framework to combat fake news and deepfakes across TV, print, and digital media.
• India already possesses a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to curb misleading content and AI-generated deepfakes.
• Mechanisms include the Cable Television Networks Act, Press Council of India norms, and IT Rules, 2021 for various media.
• The framework aims to protect democratic processes and public order while upholding constitutional free speech.
• The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit verifies government-related news to counter misinformation.

Why It Matters: India's strengthened fake news framework impacts information and free speech.