Srinagar, 6 Oct: The National Child Development Council (NCDC) held a Core Committee meeting in which members discussed the need for regulations governing AI-generated videos, particularly in view of their impact on children and society.

The discussion was initiated by Sanah Najeeb, who highlighted concerns over AI-generated videos using characters that are popular among children. She said such videos are being circulated through platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, while there are concerns regarding the absence of adequate regulation from the government or platforms.

She specifically pointed to the use of abusive language and sexual content in some AI-generated videos being viewed by children, stressing the need for regulations concerning such content.

During the discussion, NCDC Master Trainer, Baba Alexander said that while newspapers and satellite television channels are subject to licensing systems and laws, the emergence of social media has enabled individuals to create and distribute content through mobile phones and cameras without a similar licensing system. He said some people use negative, vulgar, fake, abusive and sensitive content to attract viewers and increase reach.

He further observed that positive content often receives less attention, while negative or sensitive content tends to attract more comments and reactions, resulting in greater reach. According to him, social media algorithms may further promote such content when it receives higher engagement. He called for changes in social media strategies and algorithms, along with government restrictions and control over social media content.

Another member, Bindu Sarswathibhai, said the issue was particularly relevant for an organisation working for the welfare of women and children. She called for specific and strong rules for AI-generated videos, particularly concerning abusive language and sexual content.

She also stressed the need for strict rules on social media platforms, accountability for platforms hosting such content, and strict monitoring of the content being used. She raised concerns about the use of children’s images in such videos and said strong rules should be applied to restrict such content. She also referred to child safety and children’s rights and suggested that government action should be considered in cases involving such content.

Suda Menon said AI-generated videos can sometimes appear attractive and draw viewers’ attention, including children. She emphasised that strict regulation is required to monitor such content and ensure that social media remains more suitable for children and other users.

Radha Sajeev said children are increasingly affected by AI-generated content and may encounter videos that have negative effects on their educational, personal and mental well-being. She also raised concerns about increasing screen time and said children sometimes rely on AI-generated information instead of trusting their own judgement.

She further said that frightening and negative videos can affect children and expressed concern over their possible impact on children’s behaviour and society. Radha called for special government measures and restrictions on AI-generated videos before such content is released. She also noted that AI can be useful for educational purposes but said its misuse should be avoided.

Durga also supported regulation of AI-generated videos, stating that people of different age groups are watching such content. She said social media intermediaries should ensure the prompt removal of unlawful, misleading or illegal content, particularly where it could affect children.

In the concluding remarks, the committee acknowledged that AI-generated videos have both positive and negative aspects. It was noted that AI-generated visual content can help people understand certain situations more clearly. However, members stressed that the negative aspects, particularly the language and content being picked up by children, require attention.

The discussion concluded with the view that regulations and monitoring mechanisms should be in place on social media platforms for AI-generated videos.