Authors: Megha Das
Abstract: As India's digital presence explodes, so too does a terrifying new frontier of abuse: AI-generated deepfakes and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images (NCII). These technology-facilitated attacks aren't just technical crimes; they are potent forms of gender-based violence (GBV) causing devastating, real-world harm. This paper steps into a critical research gap by analyzing this escalating threat specifically through an Indian lens. Using a systematic review of secondary data, we draw on evidence from the NCRB's crime statistics, MeitY's government advisories, and recent Indian legal scholarship. Our primary goal is to assess whether existing laws, namely the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, and the new provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, are equipped to fight hyper-realistic, AI-driven abuse. The analysis reveals a crucial flaw: current legal definitions struggle to keep pace with the technology, leading to inconsistent platform accountability and delayed justice for survivors. Furthermore, the intense social stigma faced by women in India who report these incidents compounds the abuse, turning a digital crime into a personal catastrophe. This paper concludes by offering concrete, local strategies needed to strengthen legal protection, enforce platform responsibility, and create a safer, more accountable online space for all Indian women.
