Three Hours To Act: India’s New AI Rulebook For Social Media

New Takedown Deadline  
Under the amended Information Technology rules, platforms must comply with government takedown requests within three hours, a sharp reduction from the earlier 36-hour window. This accelerated timeline is designed to prevent the rapid spread of harmful or misleading content, especially AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic media.  

Mandatory AI Labeling  
Social media companies are now required to clearly label AI-generated content, ensuring users can distinguish between authentic and synthetic material. This measure addresses growing concerns about misinformation, manipulated visuals, and fake narratives circulating online.  

Impact On Platforms And Users  
With India’s internet population exceeding one billion, the new rules place significant responsibility on platforms to strengthen moderation systems. Users will benefit from greater transparency, but companies may face challenges in scaling compliance technologies and balancing free expression with regulatory demands.  

Global Context  
India’s move aligns with global efforts to regulate AI in digital spaces. Similar frameworks are being explored in the EU and US, reflecting a worldwide push to safeguard democratic processes and online trust.  

Key Highlights  

• Three-hour deadline for flagged content removal  
• Mandatory labeling of AI-generated and synthetic material  
• Rules effective from February 20, 2026  
• India’s internet population exceeds one billion users  
• Part of global trend in AI regulation  

Conclusion  
India’s tightened AI rules mark a decisive step in digital governance. By enforcing rapid takedowns and mandating transparency in AI content, the government aims to protect citizens from misinformation while setting a precedent for responsible technology regulation in the world’s largest democracy.  

Sources: Financial Express, Tech Xplore, Times of India