Today, February 20, 2026, marks a historic turning point for the Indian internet.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has officially enforced the IT Amendment Rules 2026. This isn’t just another set of guidelines; it is a total overhaul of how “Synthetically Generated Information” (SGI) exists online. If you are an influencer, a casual uploader, or a digital brand, the rules of the game just changed permanently.

Here is what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid massive fines.

The 3 Hour Takedown Rule

The biggest headline of the 2026 update is the end of the “era of leisurely compliance.” Previously, social media platforms had up to 36 hours to remove unlawful content after a government or court order. As of today, that window has been slashed to just 3 hours.

For sensitive cases involving non-consensual deepfakes or intimate imagery, the deadline is even tighter—platforms must act within 2 hours. This means that if you share AI-generated content that is flagged as harmful or deceptive, it will disappear almost instantly.

Mandatory Digital Stamps and Metadata

Starting today, every piece of AI-generated video, audio, or imagery must carry a “digital stamp.”

• Visible Labels – You must prominently label AI-generated content so users can identify it immediately.

• Non-Removable Metadata – Files must now contain “Digital DNA”—permanent metadata and unique identifiers that trace the content back to the tool and user that created it.

• Verification Mandate – Platforms like Instagram and YouTube are now required to ask you before you upload if your content is AI-generated. They will then use automated tools to verify your answer.

Visit: Yash’s Toxic Teaser vs. Dhurandhar – Why the Internet is Divided Today

What Qualifies as “Synthetic”

The government has finally provided a formal definition for what needs a label.

• Need Labels – Deepfakes, AI-cloned voices, face-swapped videos, and algorithmically created scenes that appear “indistinguishable from a natural person or real-world event.”

• Exempt – Routine editing like color correction, noise reduction, adding subtitles, or using basic templates for presentations. If it doesn’t materially distort reality, you’re safe.

The Cost of Non-Compliance

The days of “it was just a joke” are over. Sharing unlabeled or misleading AI content can now lead to serious legal consequences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):

1. Loss of Safe Harbour – Platforms that knowingly host unlabeled AI content lose their legal immunity, making them (and you) directly liable.

2. Heavy Fines & Jail – Spreading fear through false information can lead to up to 3 years in prison, while AI-based impersonation can result in a 2-year sentence.

3. Account Termination – Platforms are now required to warn users every three months about these penalties. Repeat offenders will face immediate and permanent bans.

Conclusion – Why Verified Streams Matter

In this new landscape, digital ethics are no longer optional. The internet is becoming a place where “provenance” (knowing where a video came from) is the most valuable currency.

Don’t get hit with a fine. As the 2026 IT rules take effect, it is more important than ever to rely on trusted sources. At MyDesiPTV, we pride ourselves on providing Verified Streams. When you watch our live sports or news feeds, you are seeing 100% authentic, authorized content—no deepfakes, no forged records, and no legal risks.