Karnataka is set to revolutionize social media regulation with the draft Karnataka Responsible Social Media & Digital Safety Bill, 2026, submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Prepared by the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission (KSPPC), this legislation emphasizes artificial intelligence (AI), rapid content moderation, and robust user protections, marking India’s first state-level, AI-compliant, citizen-centric digital safety framework. S Mohanadass Hegde, a KSPPC member, highlighted its potential to foster responsible digital citizenship amid rising AI-driven threats.
The primary focus is on tackling AI-generated content and deepfakes through mandatory labelling, precise legal definitions, and strict penalties for misuse. Platforms face enforceable timelines, required to remove harmful content within 24 to 48 hours, shifting from advisory central guidelines to binding state actions. This departs from national laws like the Information Technology Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021, which prioritize due diligence without such tight deadlines.
The bill establishes the Karnataka Digital Safety & Social Media Regulatory Authority to monitor compliance and address region-specific digital risks swiftly. Users gain rights to report harmful content, access time-bound grievance redressal, and protections against harassment and misinformation. Hegde noted that localized oversight enables faster responses than central bodies, enhancing enforcement through tech tools like fake news detection, deepfake tracking, and real-time dashboards.
Prevention takes center stage with a digital awareness and media literacy program promoting fact-checking, critical thinking, and responsible online behavior. This educational push targets mental well-being, particularly for youth vulnerable to harmful trends and addiction risks, balancing punishment with proactive measures. A team member emphasized education as key to curbing violations before they escalate.
Implementation unfolds in phases: initial awareness and institutional setup, followed by technology integration and full enforcement. Slated for legal vetting and monsoon session introduction in June-July 2026, the draft positions Karnataka as a leader in decentralized digital governance, offering a blueprint for other states amid evolving AI challenges.
Implementation unfolds in phases: initial awareness and institutional setup, followed by technology integration and full enforcement. Slated for legal vetting and monsoon session introduction in June-July 2026, the draft positions Karnataka as a leader in decentralized digital governance, offering a blueprint for other states amid evolving AI challenges.
This article has been indexed from CySecurity News – Latest Information Security and Hacking Incidents
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