Will frame deepfake safety net, says Vaishnaw

NEW DELHI: Union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday the government will take steps to work out safety mechanisms around AI, especially on deep fake and synthetic content, to protect citizens and users.

Vaishnaw was responding to a question on the deep fake video of PM Narendra Modi's mother that was released by Congress in the run-up to Bihar elections.

The minister said synthetic content and deepfakes created through AI are emerging as a major challenge for society. "In today's society, it is a big question... on what kind of problem can arise from AI-generated synthetic content and deepfakes, and so AI governance framework and the upcoming AI Impact Summit 2026 will have a big focus on AI safety, safety of citizens and users," Vaishnaw said.

The central govt will release an AI governance framework by Sept 28 that would define safety boundaries to safeguard citizens from AI harm, and outline checks and balances. However, Vaishnaw added that the framework would not be "prescriptive".

"The boundaries in which AI safety related items should be placed will be clearly defined...If there is harm coming to a person, how should we deal with it...as we go into development of AI application and more rapid adoption of AI how do we ensure that proper checks and balances are there...that kind of framework," he said.

The IT minister further said India will place strong emphasis on AI safety even at the AI Impact Summit that it will host in Feb 2026, and supports the formation of a common global governance framework for AI, which is consensus-based.

Asked whether countries such as China, which did not participate in earlier summits in the UK, South Korea and France, would be invited to the AI Impact Summit, Vaishnaw said the ministry is working with the MEA to decide the list of invitees.

The high-profile summit is expected to draw participation from several nations and heads of state, with further details likely to be announced closer to the event. The AI Impact Summit 2026, to be held in India on Feb 19-20, 2026, will be inaugurated by PM Modi.


Select The Times of India as your preferred source on Google Search