The Delhi High Court has granted a two-week extension to the Indian government to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlights the absence of regulations governing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deepfake technologies within the country. Filed by advocate Chaitanya Rohilla through advocate Manohar Lal, the PIL specifically calls for government action to identify and restrict access to websites hosting deepfakes and AI content, emphasizing the need for comprehensive guidelines to regulate these technologies.
The court proceedings underscored the significant scope of the issue, with the court expressing the belief that the Union of India is best positioned to formulate the required regulations in response to the PIL. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora emphasized the complexity of the matter, stating that the Union of India should be allowed to apply its expertise to frame appropriate rules. The next hearing is scheduled for February 19.
The PIL, initially brought before the high court in December of the previous year, sought the Central government’s stance on the matter. The petition urges the court to ensure fair implementation of AI and to issue directives for accessing AI and deepfakes in alignment with the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.
In an earlier hearing, the bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna, acknowledged the intricate nature of AI and deepfake concerns. They highlighted the complexities involved in addressing these issues, emphasizing the need to understand the significance of technology and its various aspects.
While the Centre’s counsel asserted that the concerns raised in the PIL fall within the legislative domain and that the government is actively engaging with them, the court stressed the necessity of striking a balance between conflicting interests. The court emphasized the importance of conducting extensive deliberations to find a suitable solution to the challenges posed by AI and deepfake technologies.
The extension granted by the Delhi High Court provides the Indian government with additional time to formulate a comprehensive response to the PIL, acknowledging the evolving landscape of technology and the need for effective regulatory measures. The court’s emphasis on the Union of India’s role in framing rules reflects a recognition of the government’s responsibility in navigating the complexities associated with AI and deepfake technologies while ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and interests of the public.
