Gujarat High Court seeks response from Meta, Google, X, Reddit, Scribd on PIL to curb AI deepfake content

The Gujarat High Court recently sought responses from major social media intermediaries including Meta India, Google, X, Reddit and Scribd on concerns over the unchecked generation and circulation of AI-generated deepfake content [Vikas Vijay Nair v State of Gujarat & Ors.].A Bench comprising Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice DN Ray was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), which flagged the growing circulation of synthetic and manipulated media online. It sought the formation of a robust regulatory framework to curb misuse of artificial intelligence (AI)..The Court issued notice to the platforms on April 10 and asked them to place on record their stand on compliance with statutory obligations governing unlawful online content. The Bench observed that the issue stems from gaps in enforcement rather than lack of legal framework.“Effective and meaningful responses/action of the respondents intermediary will be key to the due diligence obligations enforced upon them under the statutory framework,” the Court remarked. .Additionally, in its interim directions, the Court asked the respondent platforms to ensure compliance with due diligence requirements, including prompt action on lawful notices for removal or disabling access to unlawful content. It also directed them to onboard and integrate with the SAHYOG portal, a centralised mechanism developed by the government to facilitate real-time coordination between law enforcement agencies and intermediaries..The petition filed by one Vikas Vijay Nair raised concerns over the rapid spread of AI-generated videos and digitally manipulated content. It was argued that such material poses a serious threat to public order and democratic processes. The plea highlighted how deepfake technology is increasingly being used to create realistic but false content, making it difficult for the public to distinguish between authentic and fabricated material.It also pointed to gaps in regulatory mechanisms to curb the misuse of artificial intelligence in content creation and dissemination..During the hearing, both the State of Gujarat and the Union government emphasised that the existing framework under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (recently amended in 2026) already provides sufficient legal tools to address such concerns. They submitted that the key challenge lies in inconsistent and delayed compliance by intermediaries with takedown notices and due diligence obligations.“It is submitted that the scale and speed of dissemination of unlawful content, particularly through AI generated deepfakes, automated bot networks and encrypted or semi-anonymous platforms has introduced significant risks to public order, individual rights, financial security, and national security. These risks are further compounded where intermediaries do not fully cooperate with statutory mechanisms or delay compliance with lawful directions,” recorded the Court..Government affidavits placed before the Court pointed to recurring issues faced by law enforcement agencies, including delays in takedown, lack of response from intermediaries, and procedural hurdles that allow unlawful content to remain accessible despite legal notices.Taking note of these submissions, the Court observed,“Taking note of these contentions made in the affidavits of the State Government and the Union of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, it seems that the issues which need consideration by us essentially is about the strict enforcement and uniform implementation of the existing statutory regime in the larger public interest, as is submitted on behalf of Union of India through Ministry of Home Affairs as well as the State respondents, where concerns have been shown with regard to the implementation of the statutory provisions at the ends of the intermediaries.”.The matter will be heard again on May 8..Advocate Amit M Panchal appeared for the petitioner.Advocate General Kamal Trivedi along with Government Advocate GH Virk and Assistant Government Pleader Vinay Vishen represented the State Authorities.Advocate Ankit Shah appeared for the Union of India and Ministry of Home Affairs..[Read Order]