Parliamentary panel moots licensing for AI content creators

A parliamentary panel has recommended that the government examine the feasibility of licensing requirements for artificial intelligence (AI) content creators and make it mandatory to label AI-generated videos and posts, in a move aimed at tackling the growing menace of misinformation and deepfakes.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, chaired by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, said the Centre must put in place legal and technological mechanisms to identify and prosecute those involved in the creation and spread of such content.

The draft report has been submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and will be tabled in Parliament in the upcoming session. It calls for “close coordination between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and other Ministries and departments.”

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Deepfake Concerns and Ongoing Projects

The panel noted that MeitY has already formed a nine-member body to examine issues arising from deepfakes. Two ongoing initiatives include a project on fake speech detection using deep learning frameworks and another on designing software to flag manipulated videos and images.

The report observed that while AI has limitations in fact-checking since it relies on pre-existing online data, it can play a critical role in identifying potentially misleading content. “AI and machine learning (ML) technologies are increasingly being employed to enhance the ability to detect, verify, and prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation,” the committee noted.

ASCI’s Call for Transparency in AI Content

Industry watchdog Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has also been vocal on the subject. Earlier this year, it emphasised that consumers must not be misled into believing AI-generated material to be authentic. ASCI called for clear disclosure labels on generative AI content in advertisements and influencer posts, in line with global best practices. The Council has warned that undisclosed synthetic media not only misleads consumers but could also erode trust in digital communication.

Legal Reforms and Media Accountability

Highlighting fake news as a “serious threat” to public order and democracy, the committee proposed amending penal provisions, tightening fines, and fixing responsibility on violators. It also favoured mandatory fact-checking mechanisms and internal ombudsmen across print, digital, and broadcast media outlets.

At the same time, the panel urged consensus-building with media houses and industry stakeholders while framing these measures, to ensure that regulation does not stifle innovation or free expression.