Publications
Trust, Traceability, and Transparency: India's 2026 IT Amendment Rules for AI-Generated and Synthetic Content
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026, effective February 20, 2026, to regulate AI-generated and synthetic content, including deepfakes and disinformation that threaten public trust and democratic processes. This knowledge paper outlines the Synthetic Generated Information (SGI) framework based on trust, traceability, and transparency. The rules mandate labelling of AI-generated content, provenance requirements, enhanced due diligence for intermediaries and SSMIs, and strict compliance timelines of three hours for government takedowns and two hours for SGI grievances. The analysis also highlights key industry concerns around safe harbor, liability risks, and technical feasibility, while serving as a concise guide for compliance and policy engagement within India’s evolving AI regulatory landscape.