India Synthetic Media Rules
IT Rules 2021 — Synthetic Media Amendment (Draft)
Would establish due diligence framework for synthetically generated information including labeling, traceability, and platform processes for handling synthetic media harms.
Jurisdiction
India
Enacted
Feb 10, 2026
Effective
Feb 10, 2026
Enforcement
Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)
Notified by MeitY in the Gazette of India in February 2026 (Notification CG-DL-E-10022026-269993). The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules 2026 amend the IT Rules 2021 with synthetic-content labeling, AI-generated content disclosure, and tightened intermediary obligations.
MeitYWhy It Matters
India moving toward explicit synthetic content regulation. Large market means significant compliance implications.
Recent Developments
Notified by MeitY in the Gazette of India on February 10, 2026 (Gazette Notification CG-DL-E-10022026-269993). Key new obligations: mandatory labeling of synthetically generated content, AI-generated content disclosure, accelerated 36-hour removal for child-related content (down from 72 hours), and 3-hour takedown for certain priority categories. Confirmed by PIB press release, MeitY published rules text, and law firm analyses (Khaitan & Co, Mondaq, Mayer Brown).
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Requires
Who Must Comply
- Intermediaries and platforms handling synthetic media
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Labeling requirements for synthetic content
- Traceability/accountability mechanisms
- Platform processes for synthetic media complaints
- Integration with existing intermediary guidelines
View on map
India
Focus Areas
General regulation
Cite This
APA
India. (2026). IT Rules 2021 — Synthetic Media Amendment (Draft).
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Last updated May 10, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.