Ministry advises digital publishers to verify and date visuals

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory dated 2 November 2026 for digital news publishers, online streaming platforms and intermediaries in India. The advisory, covered again on 8 November 2026, addresses the risk that archival or unrelated footage can appear to depict a current event. The ministry recommends identifying the original date, location and context of images and clips. Where material is obtained externally, the advisory also recommends identifying where it came from.

Digital news publishers were advised to take reasonable steps to verify AI-generated or substantially altered images, video and audio. The advisory recommends disclosure when synthetic material is used in connection with real people or events. It also asks publishers and streaming services to strengthen their internal editorial review. The part directed at intermediaries reminds them to follow their due diligence duties under the existing information technology framework.

Facts to remember

• Advisory date: 2 November 2026; it was covered again on 8 November 2026.
• The addressees include digital news publishers, streaming platforms and intermediaries.
• The advisory recommends marking the original date, place and context of visuals.
• The underlying framework includes the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology Rules, 2021.

Background

Section 79 of the Information Technology Act provides a conditional exemption from liability for intermediaries in respect of certain third-party material. The exemption is subject to statutory conditions, including due diligence. The advisory recalls the existing framework while recommending editorial practices to help readers distinguish original footage from archival or synthetic material.

Why it matters for exams

For CLAT and UGC-NET Law, revise intermediary liability and distinguish a statutory due diligence requirement from an editorial best practice.