Evaluating India's Information Technology Act of 2000 in the Context of Deepfake Technology

Abstract

Advances in artificial intelligence have given rise to deepfakes and other highly manipulated forms of communication, creating serious challenges for legal systems across the world. This paper examines the complex relationship between synthetic media and the legal framework in India, with particular emphasis on the Information Technology Act, 2000. It undertakes a detailed analysis of the effectiveness of the IT Act in dealing with the varied problems caused by deepfakes, including privacy violations, the need for possible amendments, and the changing nature of digital deception. The paper also discusses the criminal activities that may be carried out through deepfakes and identifies the provisions of the IT Act that may be invoked to address such offences. In addition, it offers recommendations and suggestions that may help in overcoming these challenges and in ensuring that the IT Act remains effective and responsive in an era dominated by synthetic media. As technology continues to evolve, this study seeks to assist policymakers, legal practitioners, and scholars in understanding and navigating the rapidly changing landscape of digital deception within the Indian legal context.