Karnataka drafts AI-focused law to tighten social media regulation
Karnataka's government has submitted a draft digital safety law that would impose enforceable requirements on social media platforms, with particular attention to artificial intelligence, content moderation timelines, and user protections.
The Karnataka Responsible Social Media & Digital Safety Bill, 2026 marks a departure from India's existing central laws. Where the Information Technology Act, 2000 and IT Rules, 2021 set advisory standards, this state-level framework proposes binding obligations backed by penalties.
The draft requires platforms to remove harmful content within 24 to 48 hours-a significant tightening from current practice. It also mandates labelling of AI-generated content and deepfakes, with legal definitions and penalties for misuse.
New regulatory authority
The bill proposes creating the Karnataka Digital Safety & Social Media Regulatory Authority to oversee compliance. S Mohanadass Hegde, a member of the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission, said a state-level authority can respond faster to emerging threats and region-specific issues than central regulators.
The draft will be reviewed by the state legal department before the monsoon legislative session in June-July.
What the bill requires
- AI and deepfakes: Mandatory labelling with penalties for misuse
- Content takedowns: 24-48 hour deadline for removal
- User protections: Right to report harmful content, time-bound grievance redressal, safeguards against harassment and misinformation
- Enforcement tools: Technology systems for fake news detection, deepfake tracking, and real-time monitoring
Prevention through education
The bill includes a digital awareness and media literacy programme focused on fact-checking, critical thinking, and responsible online behaviour. Drafters framed this as prevention rather than punishment alone.
The proposal also links digital safety to mental well-being, particularly for young users, by addressing harmful trends and behavioural risks.
Phased rollout
Implementation would occur in stages: awareness and institutional setup first, then technology integration, followed by full enforcement.
For AI for Legal professionals, the bill's focus on mandatory labelling and AI-generated content raises questions about compliance obligations for platforms operating in Karnataka. For those working in AI for Government, the regulatory framework offers a model for state-level digital governance that other Indian states may adopt.
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