Tightening the noose around AI fake news: here’s what the parl panel suggests

A parliamentary panel has called for legal and technological solutions to crack down on entities using AI to spread fake news.

The panel has submitted a draft report to Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, recommending steps to this end. The same will be tabled before parliament when it convenes for the winter session.

Identifying the ecosystem


The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, chaired by Nishikant Dubey, called for close coordination between the ministry of information and broadcasting, ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY), and other relevant ministries / departments to check the spread of AI fake news.

Its two broad recommendations include:

• Exploring licensing requirements for AI-content creators.
• Mandatory labelling of AI-generated videos and content.

Use AI to fight AI

In its draft report, the committee pointed out that AI in its current state cannot be used for sensitive tasks like fact-checking. It can, however, be used to flag potentially fake or misleading content, which can then be taken up for human review.

The committee noted that AI and machine learning (ML) are increasingly being employed to detect, verify, and prevent misinformation and disinformation.

It favoured mandatory fact-checking mechanisms and internal ombudsmen in all print, digital, and electronic media organisations.

Legal deterrent

The group of lawmakers called fake news a “serious threat” to public order and the democratic process. It recommended amending penal provisions, increasing fines, and fixing accountability in accordance with the seriousness of the issue.

The committee said these changes should come through consensus-building among media bodies and relevant stakeholders.