India's I&B Ministry Restricts AI in News, Flags Programme Code Violations by TV Channels

Ministry Directs Channels to Restrict AI in News Production

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a comprehensive advisory to private satellite TV channels, directing them to exercise caution while using artificial intelligence and limit AI tools to assistive roles in news broadcasts1

1

. The I&B ministry advisory specifically mentions virtual news presentations, graphics creation, and other programming as areas requiring careful AI deployment without compromising accuracy and authenticity2

2

.

The directive follows observations by the Inter-Departmental Committee that identified Programme Code violations across multiple channels. The committee noted instances where similar news and visuals appeared across different TV channels on identical topics, with some telecasts found inconsistent with the Programme Code's spirit1

1

. The advisory warns that violations could invite regulatory actions under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 19952

2

.

AI Anchors Face Uncertain Future Under New Guidelines

The advisory's ambiguity creates uncertainty for AI anchors already deployed across major Indian networks. Channels including Aaj Tak, News18, and Odisha TV currently use AI anchors to present bulletins and conduct interviews3

3

. Aaj Tak's AI anchor Sana, launched in March 2023, has interviewed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Microsoft's Brad Smith, and actor Shah Rukh Khan. The channel also runs Anjana 2.0, an AI version of anchor Anjana Om Kashyap, during prime time3

3

.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's own broadcaster, Doordarshan, introduced two AI news anchors—AI Krish and AI Bhoomi—on DD Kisan in May 2024. In March, the ministry told a parliamentary committee it wanted to expand AI anchor use across DD News for recorded programs, voice-overs, and automated content identification3

3

. This creates a contradiction between the ministry's advisory restricting generative AI use and its stated plans for expanding AI deployment in its own operations.

The advisory does not define what constitutes assistive capacity or clarify whether AI anchors fall within permitted usage. It also fails to require channels to label AI-generated content, despite the misuse of artificial intelligence to create fake videos featuring Indian news anchors spreading false political claims3

3

.

Editorial Oversight and Content Standards Tightened

Beyond AI restrictions, the advisory strengthens requirements for editorial oversight across multiple content areas. Private satellite TV channels must strictly comply with provisions regarding anti-terror operations, avoiding live coverage and time-stamping visuals to prevent misleading impressions2

2

. The ministry specifically flagged coverage of violent and disturbing visuals, crime and violence, natural disasters, major accidents, and communal debates1

1

.

Channels must implement measures including muting, disclaimers, or feed discontinuation to prevent derogatory, abusive, or inflammatory content from airing during debates and panel discussions2

2

. The advisory emphasizes careful selection and pre-sensitization of panelists to prevent communal or anti-national content. Broadcasters must also protect sexual offense victims' identities by withholding indirect details that could identify them2

2

.

The ministry directed broadcasters to organize regular training programs and workshops for editorial and production teams on Programme Code compliance1

1

. Channels must use only authentic maps of India published by the Survey of India and ensure disaster coverage is based on verified facts with time-stamped visuals to avoid panic2

2

.

Cost Implications and Industry Impact

The restrictions arrive as AI anchors offer significant cost advantages for broadcasters. BIG TV CEO Ajay Reddy Konda revealed that an AI anchor costs approximately Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 monthly compared to Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000 for human anchors. Preparing a five-minute AI bulletin takes two to three hours, including manual script writing and editing3

3

. The advisory's vague definition of assistive roles for AI leaves broadcasters uncertain about whether their current AI anchor deployments comply with the new guidelines, potentially forcing expensive operational adjustments or technology rollbacks.