Govt Meets Meta Over Deepfakes, CSAM Concerns

The Indian government held technical discussions with Meta on Friday to address concerns over deepfakes, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and unlabelled AI-generated content on its platforms. The meeting followed two days of intensive questioning, where Meta explained its systems and outlined measures to implement to address the government's concerns.

According to sources, officials asked Meta to take specific corrective steps and report on their effectiveness, with regular follow-ups planned. One of the key concerns was the continued circulation of harmful AI-generated material even after it has been flagged. The government also questioned why synthetic videos without appropriate labels remain accessible despite information technology rules requiring such content to be identified.

The government called for greater human intervention in content moderation, particularly better understanding of Indian languages, cultural contexts, and local nuances. Officials emphasized that the objective of the exercise was not censorship but ensuring that Meta fulfils its obligations under Indian law.

The technical meeting followed two days of discussions involving IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, IT Secretary S Krishnan, and Meta's global team led by global affairs head Joel Kaplan. The company was questioned about recommendation algorithms, safeguards for prominent and verified accounts, algorithmic bias, and compliance with Indian regulations.

Meta had earlier apologized for temporarily restricting a Facebook post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attributing the action to an error involving its AI-powered automated moderation systems. The post, originally shared on Instagram and subsequently posted on Facebook, was later restored.

The government also questioned Meta over whether payments were accepted to promote content capable of triggering public disorder. Officials cited Section 79 of the Information Technology Act and warned that failure to meet intermediary obligations could jeopardize the company's safe-harbour protection.

The government had also issued Meta a notice over alleged CSAM appearing in paid Instagram advertisements. Sources said Meta acknowledged serious concerns and assured officials that it was working to address them. The government has made it clear that sustained improvements will be required across content moderation, AI-generated material, child safety, and legal compliance.

Another meeting is expected next week as the government continues to monitor the company's response. The government's objective is to ensure that Meta takes concrete steps to address the concerns raised and provides a safer experience for its users in India.

The issue of deepfakes, CSAM, and unlabelled AI-generated content is a significant concern for the government, and it is working to ensure that social media companies take responsibility for the content hosted on their platforms. The government's efforts to regulate social media companies and ensure their compliance with Indian laws are crucial in maintaining a safe and secure online environment.

In conclusion, the government's meeting with Meta is a step towards addressing the concerns over deepfakes, CSAM, and unlabelled AI-generated content. The company's willingness to work with the government and implement measures to address these concerns is a positive development. However, the government will continue to monitor the company's response and ensure that it fulfils its obligations under Indian law.

The outcome of this meeting will have significant implications for social media companies operating in India. The government's emphasis on content moderation, child safety, and legal compliance will require companies to take a more proactive approach to addressing these concerns. The meeting also highlights the importance of collaboration between the government and social media companies in maintaining a safe and secure online environment.

Overall, the government's efforts to regulate social media companies and ensure their compliance with Indian laws are crucial in maintaining a safe and secure online environment. The meeting with Meta is a step towards achieving this goal, and the company's willingness to work with the government is a positive development.