I&B Ministry cautions TV channels against misuse of AI in telecasts

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Wednesday advised private satellite television channels to exercise due caution while using artificial intelligence (AI) tools in telecasts.

In an advisory, the ministry stressed that the technology should be used only in an assistive capacity without compromising the accuracy, authenticity or sensitivity of news content.

The ministry urged broadcasters to adhere strictly to the Programme Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994.

It also asked channels to strengthen their editorial and content review mechanisms and ensure that personnel involved in news gathering, editing, production, transmission and telecast of programmes are adequately sensitised to the provisions of the Programme Code.

The ministry encouraged broadcasters to organise workshops, training programmes and sensitisation sessions for their editorial and production teams at regular intervals to ensure continued compliance.

“It is reiterated that adherence to the statutory obligations is essential. Any violation of the Programme Code may invite action under the provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the rules framed thereunder,” read the advisory.

The ministry said the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC), constituted under the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, had observed that telecasts on various television channels were not in conformity with the spirit of the Programme Code.

The IDC subsequently recommended that all private satellite television channels be advised to strictly adhere to the statutory provisions governing television content.

“Instances of similar news/visuals broadcast on multiple channels on similar topics were observed during the meeting of the IDC. The committee also emphasised that inappropriate behaviour or language should not be normalised in telecasts,” the ministry warned.

The ministry further advised channels to ensure that programmes, including live debates and panel discussions, do not promote or encourage communal or anti-national attitudes.

“Adequate editorial control (including, but not limited to, careful selection and pre-sensitisation of the panellists/participants) should be exercised. Wherever necessary, immediate remedial measures such as muting, disclaimers, interruption or discontinuation of the feed should be implemented in order to prevent the airing of derogatory, abusive or inflammatory content,” it said.

“This includes refraining from the disclosure of any direct or indirect particulars, remote facts, photographs, family details, locality or other such information that may lead to the identification of the victim,” the advisory added.