Indian digital rights group criticises latest proposed changes to IT Rules

The Internet Freedom Foundation has submitted comments opposing further proposed amendments to India’s Information Technology Rules introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

The latest proposal would require labels identifying AI-generated or synthetic content to remain continuously and clearly visible throughout the duration of visual content, expanding earlier draft language that required only “prominent” disclosure.

IFF argued that the revised requirement raises technical and legal concerns, particularly because platforms may lose control over content once users download, modify, or redistribute it across services.

The organisation also criticised the consultation process itself, stating that repeated amendments during an ongoing consultation risk creating ‘consultation fatigue’ and undermine structured public feedback.

The submission further warned that aggressive enforcement or automated takedowns linked to labelling obligations could raise freedom of expression concerns under Indian constitutional protections and existing Supreme Court jurisprudence.

According to IFF, more than 5,000 people had submitted comments on the draft rules by the consultation deadline.