Krux
February 22, 2026
India mandates AI-generated content labels by February 20
Published: February 22, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Updated: February 22, 2026 at 3:03 PM
100-word summary
India's new IT Rules 2026, effective February 20, mandate that all synthetic AI content (audio, video, images) must carry permanent labels and embedded metadata for traceability. Social media platforms must deploy user declaration flows, verification mechanisms, and remove unlawful AI content within three hours of a court or government notice, down from previous longer windows. Routine editing and educational materials are exempt. Platforms face enforcement penalties under existing Indian law. Implementation priority: build robust labeling infrastructure with embedded metadata and traceability chains to meet the three-hour takedown requirement and shortened seven-day grievance timelines.
What happened
India's new IT Rules 2026, effective February 20, mandate that all synthetic AI content (audio, video, images) must carry permanent labels and embedded metadata for traceability. Social media platforms must deploy user declaration flows, verification mechanisms, and remove unlawful AI content within three hours of a court or government notice, down from previous longer windows. Routine editing and educational materials are exempt. Platforms face enforcement penalties under existing Indian law.
Why it matters
Implementation priority: build robust labeling infrastructure with embedded metadata and traceability chains to meet the three-hour takedown requirement and shortened seven-day grievance timelines.