UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Centre prescribes labels for all photorealistic AI content online

Q1. Which of the following is the first comprehensive statutory instrument in India to mandate prominent labelling of all photorealistic Synthetically Generated Information (SGI) on online intermediaries?

  • A. Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021
  • B. Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026
  • C. Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
  • D. Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008

Q2. Which one of the following best describes 'Synthetically Generated Information' (SGI) as defined under the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026?

  • A. Any text, image, audio or video produced by a generative AI model, regardless of whether it appears realistic
  • B. Audio, visual or audio-visual information artificially or algorithmically created, generated, modified or altered using a computer resource so that it appears authentic and depicts an individual or event indistinguishable from a natural person or real-world event
  • C. Any user-generated political content disseminated by Significant Social Media Intermediaries during a notified election period
  • D. Computer-generated imagery used in feature films, advertisements and broadcast media that has been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification

Q3. With reference to the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026 as compared to the October 2025 draft and the 2021 parent rules, consider the following statements: 1. The final 2026 Amendment Rules adopt a narrower definition of 'Synthetically Generated Information' than the October 2025 draft. 2. Unlike the October 2025 draft, the final 2026 Rules retain the prescriptive requirement that SGI labels cover at least 10% of the visual surface area or the first 10% of the audio duration. 3. The 2026 Amendment Rules shorten the takedown timeline for court or government-ordered unlawful content to three hours, against a longer timeline previously applicable under the 2021 parent rules. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The final 2026 Amendment Rules adopt a narrower definition of 'Synthetically Generated Information' than the October 2025 draft.
  2. Unlike the October 2025 draft, the final 2026 Rules retain the prescriptive requirement that SGI labels cover at least 10% of the visual surface area or the first 10% of the audio duration.
  3. The 2026 Amendment Rules shorten the takedown timeline for court or government-ordered unlawful content to three hours, against a longer timeline previously applicable under the 2021 parent rules.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. Which one of the following is the nodal Union Ministry that notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026 mandating labelling of photorealistic AI-generated content?

  • A. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
  • B. Ministry of Communications
  • C. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
  • D. Ministry of Home Affairs

Q5. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026 have been notified by the Central Government in exercise of its rule-making power under which one of the following provisions?

  • A. Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000
  • B. Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000
  • C. Section 87(2) of the Information Technology Act, 2000
  • D. Section 5 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885