Centre issues 31,000 content blocking orders against Meta, X and Google to combat deepfakes
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Cyber security· Prelims + Mains·
Cybersecurity and Internal Security: Regulation of AI-generated deepfakes and digital sovereignty.
Why in news
The Centre issued 31,000 online content blocking orders between January and September 2026 to combat AI-generated deepfakes and fraud.
Background
The orders were issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, targeting platforms including Meta, X, and Google. Actions included blocking 1,400 URLs during Operation Sindoor and content related to the Cockroach Janta Party and Kisan Ekta Morcha.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillSection 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, empowers the Centre to issue content blocking orders.
- Fact31,000 online content blocking orders were issued between January and September 2026.
- Fact1,400 URLs were blocked during Operation Sindoor following a Pahalgam attack.
- FactTargeted platforms for blocking orders included Meta, X, and Google.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Information Technology Act, 2000, consider the following statements:
- Operation Sindoor involved the blocking of 1,400 URLs.
- A total of 1,400 content blocking orders were issued between January and September 2026.
- Section 69A empowers the Centre to issue content blocking orders.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: 31,000 content blocking orders were issued.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges in regulating AI-generated deepfakes and the implications of content blocking orders on freedom of expression in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory friction: Balancing the prevention of AI-driven fraud against the protection of digital free speech
- Technological lag: Difficulty in identifying and filtering sophisticated AI-generated content in real-time
- Platform accountability: Determining the liability of intermediaries like Meta and Google for hosting harmful content
Keywords: Deepfakes · Cybersecurity · Information Technology Act · Content Moderation · Digital Sovereignty
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