The Hindu Editorial • February 13, 2026 • Read Original

Too fake to be good: On AI-generated imagery, labelling

Labelling of synthetically generated content on social media is a must

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The Hindu Read Original

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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on February 13, 2026

Too fake to be good: On AI-generated imagery, labelling

Labelling of synthetically generated content on social media is a must

AI ImageryInformation Technology Rules 2026Social Media RegulationDeepfakesDigital Media Ethics

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 14

English Original

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026, add a critical requirement for social media platforms: AI-generated imagery must now be labelled prominently.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Information Technology ( Guidelines and ) Rules, 2026

The new 2026 changes to India’s internet and social media laws.

Part 2

add

Include a new rule or part.

Part 3

a for social media platforms

A very important rule that tech companies like Google or Meta must follow.

Part 4

must now be labelled

Any pictures made by artificial intelligence must have a clear and easy-to-see label.

Context and Background

The IT Amendment Rules, 2026

The IT Amendment Rules, 2026, are a set of regulations introduced by the Indian government to manage digital content. A key feature is the mandatory disclosure of AI-generated content (Synthetically Generated Information) to prevent deepfakes and misinformation. Platforms must ensure that users are informed when they are viewing AI-created media.

Sentence 2 of 14

English Original

Since the draft rules were released in October, there have been some improvements in this mandate: it is no longer prescribing a set size for such a disclosure, nor is it applicable to any AI-generated imagery that does not seek to pass off as the real thing.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Since the were released in October

From the time the first version of the rules was made public in October.

Part 2

have been

Exist now but started in the past.

Part 3

some improvements in this

A few better changes in the official order or rule.

Part 4

it is no longer a set size for such a , nor is it to any AI-generated imagery that does not seek to as the real thing

The rule no longer tells companies exactly how big the label must be, and it doesn’t apply to AI pictures that obviously don’t look like real photos.

Sentence 3 of 14

English Original

AI-generated imagery has flooded users’ feeds and they have a right to know that this imagery is not real.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

AI-generated imagery

Pictures and photos made by artificial intelligence programs.

Part 2

has flooded

Has filled in very large numbers.

Part 3

users’

The list of updates and content you see when you open social media apps.

Part 4

they

The people who use social media platforms.

Part 5

have

Possess or own.

Part 6

a right to know that this imagery is not real

The legal or moral entitlement to be told that the pictures are fake.

Sentence 4 of 14

English Original

The requirement that users declare synthetically generated content as such is welcome.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The requirement that users

The rule asking people to state if the content they post was made by a computer.

Part 2

Matches the state of.

Part 3

welcome

A positive thing that people are happy about.

Sentence 5 of 14

English Original

As India approaches the AI Impact Summit with a stated intent to regulate AI only insofar as necessary, the requirement shows considerable restraint.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As India approaches the AI Impact Summit with a to AI only necessary

Since India is getting ready for a big AI meeting and says it will only make rules for AI when it is really needed.

Part 2

the requirement

The new rule about labelling AI images.

Part 3

shows

Demonstrates or displays.

Part 4

A lot of self-control or avoiding making rules that are too strict.

Context and Background

AI Impact Summit 2026

The AI Impact Summit 2026 is a global forum hosted by India to discuss safe and ethical AI governance. India has consistently advocated for a ‘light-touch’ regulatory approach that balances innovation with safety, rather than imposing heavy-handed laws that could stifle technology development.

Sentence 6 of 14

English Original

Since the technology for creating synthetic imagery is rapidly evolving, the government will, however, have to revisit parts of the Rules that impose proactive detection of synthetic content by platforms — after all, while tech platforms are generally able to detect synthetic media automatically, this capability is constantly challenged by the billions of dollars being invested into ironing out the flaws that these detection mechanisms rely upon.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Since the technology for creating is rapidly

Because the tools used to make AI pictures are getting better very quickly.

Part 2

the government

The ruling body (of India) that makes laws.

Part 3

will, however, have to

Will need to look at or check again in the future.

Part 4

parts of the Rules that impose of synthetic content by platforms

Specific sections of the law that force tech companies to find and label AI content themselves before it is reported.

Part 5

after all, while tech platforms are generally able to detect synthetic media automatically, this capability is constantly challenged by the billions of dollars being invested into the flaws that these detection rely upon

Ultimately, although tech companies can usually find AI content, it is getting harder because people are spending huge amounts of money to make AI so perfect that it can’t be detected.

Sentence 7 of 14

English Original

What is problematic is the government’s insertion — with absolutely no public forewarning — of reducing the timelines for taking down content under the Rules to a mere two or three hours.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

What is

The thing that is causing worry or concern.

Part 2

Matches or equals.

Part 3

the government’s — with absolutely no public — of reducing the for taking down content under the Rules to a two or three hours

The government adding a new rule (without telling anyone first) that says posts must be removed in just 2 or 3 hours.

Sentence 8 of 14

English Original

Reducing such compliance timelines creates one of two incentives for social media platforms: either have empowered representatives at all times who can appropriately weigh the merits of a takedown notice and balance it against freedom of expression; or implement a take-down-and-ask-questions-later approach.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Reducing such timelines

Cutting the time allowed for companies to follow the rules.

Part 2

creates

Leads to or produces.

Part 3

one of two for social media platforms

One of two reasons that push tech companies to act in a certain way.

Part 4

either have representatives at all times who can appropriately of a and balance it against ; or implement a take-down-and-ask-questions-later approach

They either have to keep powerful experts working 24/7 to judge if a post should be removed, or they just delete everything first to be safe.

Sentence 9 of 14

English Original

Any delay would implicate firms in court by removing their safe harbour, an outcome they understandably wish to avoid.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Any delay

Taking more than the allowed 2-3 hours to remove a post.

Part 2

would

Would make them legally responsible or get them into trouble.

Part 3

firms

The tech companies (like Google, Meta, X).

Part 4

in court by removing their

In a court case by taking away their legal protection.

Part 5

an outcome they understandably wish to avoid

A result that they naturally do not want to happen.

Context and Background

Section 79 of the IT Act (Safe Harbour)

Section 79 of India’s Information Technology Act provides ‘safe harbour’ protection to intermediaries (platforms). It states that they are not liable for user-generated content provided they follow government-mandated ‘due diligence’ rules. Losing this protection means the platform can be sued for every illegal post made by any user.

Sentence 10 of 14

English Original

This shortening applies to all platforms, adding a barrier of entry to a space that should be open to constant challengers in an open Internet.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This shortening

The move to reduce the time for removing posts.

Part 2

applies

Is relevant to or affects.

Part 3

to all platforms

To every social media app or website, big or small.

Part 4

adding a to a space that should be open to constant in an open Internet

Making it hard for new, small companies to start because they can’t afford to have experts working 24/7 to meet such fast deadlines.

Sentence 11 of 14

English Original

This shorter timeline was not indicated in October, and since comments are not public, there is no way to confirm if all interests were properly considered..

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This shorter timeline

The new 2-3 hour limit for removing posts.

Part 2

was not

Was not mentioned or shown.

Part 3

in October

When the first draft of the rules was released.

Part 4

since comments are not public

Because the feedback from companies and people is kept secret.

Part 5

There exists.

Part 6

no way to if all were properly considered

No method to check if the government listened to everyone’s needs and worries.

Sentence 12 of 14

English Original

The lack of open consultation is a particularly pressing issue when the main stakeholders are hyperscalers with hundreds of billions of dollars in planned investments over the years ahead.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The lack of open

The fact that the government did not talk openly with everyone before making the rules.

Part 2

Matches the state of.

Part 3

a particularly issue

A very urgent or important problem.

Part 4

when the main are with hundreds of billions of dollars in planned over the years ahead

Because the main companies affected are giant tech firms (like Google or Amazon) that plan to spend huge amounts of money in India.

Sentence 13 of 14

English Original

Their views need to be open to scrutiny, as must the deliberations their inputs lead to.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Their views

The opinions and feedback of the big tech companies.

Part 2

need to be

Should be; must be.

Part 3

open to

Available for the public to check and examine carefully.

Part 4

as must the their inputs lead to

Just like the government’s private discussions and decisions that were based on that feedback should also be public.

Sentence 14 of 14

English Original

The IT Rules remain contested in multiple court cases, and it is inappropriate to make sudden changes to social media governance that may have ramifications for the freedom of expression without parliamentary debate.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The IT Rules

The overall laws governing the internet in India.

Part 2

remain

Continue to be.

Part 3

in multiple court cases

Being challenged or argued against in many different courts of law.

Part 4

The situation of making these changes.

Part 5

Matches the state of.

Part 6

to make sudden changes to social media that may have for the freedom of expression without

Not right or fair to suddenly change how the internet is controlled when it could hurt free speech and hasn’t been discussed by our elected leaders in Parliament.

Sentence 1 of 14

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 The Information Technology Amendment Rules 2026 introduce a mandatory requirement for social media platforms to label AI-generated imagery clearly.
2 The final rules include improvements like removing fixed label sizes and exempting AI images that do not try to look like real life.
3 The editorial supports the labelling of synthetic content but warns that proactive detection by platforms will be difficult as AI technology improves.
4 A major concern is the reduction of content takedown timelines to just two or three hours, which was added without public discussion.
5 The lack of consultation and the potential impact on free speech make these sudden changes problematic for social media governance.

Tone of the Editorial

Analytical

Why this tone?

The editorial provides a detailed analysis of the new IT Rules, acknowledging positive steps like AI labelling while also critically examining the problematic aspects of shortened takedown timelines. It weighs the benefits of transparency against the risks to freedom of expression and the challenges of technological enforcement.

Sentence 1 of 14

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026

The new 2026 changes to India’s internet and social media laws.

Part 2

add

Include a new rule or part.

Part 3

a critical requirement for social media platforms

A very important rule that tech companies like Google or Meta must follow.

Part 4

AI-generated imagery must now be labelled prominently

Any pictures made by artificial intelligence must have a clear and easy-to-see label.

Sentence 2 of 14

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Since the draft rules were released in October

From the time the first version of the rules was made public in October.

Part 2

have been

Exist now but started in the past.

Part 3

some improvements in this mandate

A few better changes in the official order or rule.

Part 4

it is no longer prescribing a set size for such a disclosure, nor is it applicable to any AI-generated imagery that does not seek to pass off as the real thing

The rule no longer tells companies exactly how big the label must be, and it doesn’t apply to AI pictures that obviously don’t look like real photos.

Sentence 3 of 14

AI-generated imagery has flooded users’ feeds and they have a right to know that this imagery is not real.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

AI-generated imagery

Pictures and photos made by artificial intelligence programs.

Part 2

has flooded

Has filled in very large numbers.

Part 3

users’ feeds

The list of updates and content you see when you open social media apps.

Part 4

they

The people who use social media platforms.

Part 5

have

Possess or own.

Part 6

a right to know that this imagery is not real

The legal or moral entitlement to be told that the pictures are fake.

Sentence 4 of 14

The requirement that users declare synthetically generated content as such is welcome.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The requirement that users declare synthetically generated content as such

The rule asking people to state if the content they post was made by a computer.

Part 2

Matches the state of.

Part 3

welcome

A positive thing that people are happy about.

Sentence 5 of 14

As India approaches the AI Impact Summit with a stated intent to regulate AI only insofar as necessary, the requirement shows considerable restraint.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As India approaches the AI Impact Summit with a stated intent to regulate AI only insofar as necessary

Since India is getting ready for a big AI meeting and says it will only make rules for AI when it is really needed.

Part 2

the requirement

The new rule about labelling AI images.

Part 3

shows

Demonstrates or displays.

Part 4

considerable restraint

A lot of self-control or avoiding making rules that are too strict.

Sentence 6 of 14

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Since the technology for creating synthetic imagery is rapidly evolving

Because the tools used to make AI pictures are getting better very quickly.

Part 2

the government

The ruling body (of India) that makes laws.

Part 3

will, however, have to revisit

Will need to look at or check again in the future.

Part 4

parts of the Rules that impose proactive detection of synthetic content by platforms

Specific sections of the law that force tech companies to find and label AI content themselves before it is reported.

Part 5

Ultimately, although tech companies can usually find AI content, it is getting harder because people are spending huge amounts of money to make AI so perfect that it can’t be detected.

Sentence 7 of 14

What is problematic is the government’s insertion — with absolutely no public forewarning — of reducing the timelines for taking down content under the Rules to a mere two or three hours.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

What is problematic

The thing that is causing worry or concern.

Part 2

Matches or equals.

Part 3

the government’s insertion — with absolutely no public forewarning — of reducing the timelines for taking down content under the Rules to a mere two or three hours

The government adding a new rule (without telling anyone first) that says posts must be removed in just 2 or 3 hours.

Sentence 8 of 14

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Reducing such compliance timelines

Cutting the time allowed for companies to follow the rules.

Part 2

creates

Leads to or produces.

Part 3

one of two incentives for social media platforms

One of two reasons that push tech companies to act in a certain way.

Part 4

either have empowered representatives at all times who can appropriately weigh the merits of a takedown notice and balance it against freedom of expression; or implement a take-down-and-ask-questions-later approach

They either have to keep powerful experts working 24/7 to judge if a post should be removed, or they just delete everything first to be safe.

Sentence 9 of 14

Any delay would implicate firms in court by removing their safe harbour, an outcome they understandably wish to avoid.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Any delay

Taking more than the allowed 2-3 hours to remove a post.

Part 2

would implicate

Would make them legally responsible or get them into trouble.

Part 3

firms

The tech companies (like Google, Meta, X).

Part 4

in court by removing their safe harbour

In a court case by taking away their legal protection.

Part 5

an outcome they understandably wish to avoid

A result that they naturally do not want to happen.

Sentence 10 of 14

This shortening applies to all platforms, adding a barrier of entry to a space that should be open to constant challengers in an open Internet.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This shortening

The move to reduce the time for removing posts.

Part 2

applies

Is relevant to or affects.

Part 3

to all platforms

To every social media app or website, big or small.

Part 4

adding a barrier of entry to a space that should be open to constant challengers in an open Internet

Making it hard for new, small companies to start because they can’t afford to have experts working 24/7 to meet such fast deadlines.

Sentence 11 of 14

This shorter timeline was not indicated in October, and since comments are not public, there is no way to confirm if all interests were properly considered..

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This shorter timeline

The new 2-3 hour limit for removing posts.

Part 2

was not indicated

Was not mentioned or shown.

Part 3

in October

When the first draft of the rules was released.

Part 4

since comments are not public

Because the feedback from companies and people is kept secret.

Part 5

There exists.

Part 6

no way to confirm if all interests were properly considered

No method to check if the government listened to everyone’s needs and worries.

Sentence 12 of 14

The lack of open consultation is a particularly pressing issue when the main stakeholders are hyperscalers with hundreds of billions of dollars in planned investments over the years ahead.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The lack of open consultation

The fact that the government did not talk openly with everyone before making the rules.

Part 2

Matches the state of.

Part 3

a particularly pressing issue

A very urgent or important problem.

Part 4

when the main stakeholders are hyperscalers with hundreds of billions of dollars in planned investments over the years ahead

Because the main companies affected are giant tech firms (like Google or Amazon) that plan to spend huge amounts of money in India.

Sentence 13 of 14

Their views need to be open to scrutiny, as must the deliberations their inputs lead to.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Their views

The opinions and feedback of the big tech companies.

Part 2

need to be

Should be; must be.

Part 3

open to scrutiny

Available for the public to check and examine carefully.

Part 4

as must the deliberations their inputs lead to

Just like the government’s private discussions and decisions that were based on that feedback should also be public.

Sentence 14 of 14

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The IT Rules

The overall laws governing the internet in India.

Part 2

remain

Continue to be.

Part 3

contested in multiple court cases

Being challenged or argued against in many different courts of law.

Part 4

The situation of making these changes.

Part 5

Matches the state of.

Part 6

inappropriate to make sudden changes to social media governance that may have ramifications for the freedom of expression without parliamentary debate

Not right or fair to suddenly change how the internet is controlled when it could hurt free speech and hasn’t been discussed by our elected leaders in Parliament.

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - AI-generated Imagery Labelling

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the IT Amendment Rules 2026 and AI-generated imagery labelling.

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Politics and Governance 7 Economy 7 International Relations 2 Science and Technology 3 Environment 3 Society 0 Security 1 Infrastructure and Energy 2 Media and Communication 1 Miscellaneous 7

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Challenging Vocabulary 161 Idioms and Phrases 113 Phrasal Verbs 54

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Too fake to be good: On AI-generated imagery, labelling

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