Deepfakes And Indian Criminal Law: Addressing The Gaps In Legal Protection
- IJLLR Journal
- May 26
- 1 min read
N R Divyashree, MKPM RV Institute of Legal Studies
ABSTRACT
The emergence of deepfakes – AI-generated synthetic media that realistically mimic real individuals – poses a significant threat to personal privacy, democratic integrity, and public trust. In India, the rapid growth of deepfake technology has outpaced the evolution of relevant legal frameworks, leaving victims vulnerable and perpetrators largely unaccountable. This paper explores the intersection of deepfake technology and Indian criminal law, identifying the lacunae in existing legislation such as the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Indian Penal Code, 1860. It critically examines whether current provisions are adequate to deal with offences involving deepfakes, particularly in defamation, impersonation, obscenity, and electoral manipulation. Drawing upon comparative approaches from jurisdictions like the United States and the European Union, this paper proposes legislative reforms and regulatory mechanisms to ensure that Indian law is equipped to combat the misuse of deepfakes in the digital age.
