Govt Tells TV Channels To Limit AI Use

The Union ministry of information and broadcasting has directed private satellite television channels to restrict the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI to assistive roles in news production and strictly adhere to the Programme Code, warning that violations could invite action under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.

In an advisory issued on Wednesday, the ministry said it had noticed instances of non-compliance with the Programme Code by several private satellite television channels.

The ministry said the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) had observed that some programmes were not in conformity with the spirit of the code.

“Instances of similar news/visuals broadcast on multiple channels on similar topics were observed. Therefore, the IDC recommended that all private satellite TV channels be advised to strictly adhere to the statutory provisions governing content broadcast on TV. The committee also emphasised that inappropriate behaviour and language should not be normalised on television,” the advisory said.

The ministry asked broadcasters to strengthen their editorial and content review mechanisms and ensure that personnel involved in news gathering, editing, production and transmission were familiar with the provisions of the Programme Code.

It also directed channels to conduct regular workshops, training programmes and sensitisation sessions for editorial and production teams to ensure compliance.

Referring to earlier advisories, the ministry reiterated the need for strict adherence to the Programme Code, particularly while covering or broadcasting live anti-terrorist operations, violence, natural calamities and disasters.

“To uphold the integrity of the Nation as mandated in Rule 6(1)(h), private satellite TV channels are advised to use only authentic maps of India, as published by the Survey of India, in all their telecasts, graphics and digital representations,” the advisory said.

The ministry also asked channels to ensure that programmes, including live debates and panel discussions, did 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.