India may need a fresh legal framework to address challenges posed by artificial intelligence, according to Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, who said the existing information technology law was enacted long before the rapid rise of AI technologies.
Speaking to PTI, Vaishnaw said the government is examining how best to regulate the sector while continuing consultations with industry stakeholders. He noted that the debate over AI governance is complex, particularly as countries around the world weigh concerns related to AI safety.
While some measures have already been introduced through the existing IT framework, the minister indicated that those steps may not be sufficient for the AI era.
“Certain things have been done under the IT Act framework, but I do think that there is a requirement for a new law because the world of AI is very different from the world when the IT Act was enacted in 2000,” Vaishnaw said.
The minister said the government’s approach would be guided by the need to support technological progress without compromising public safety.
“We are discussing with the industry…as always, our objective and approach will be to balance innovation and regulation in a manner that innovation keeps happening, while our citizens remain safe,” he said.
The remarks come as policymakers globally continue to assess risks associated with generative AI, including deepfakes, misinformation and other forms of online harm.
India has already strengthened its regulatory approach to AI-generated content. Earlier this year, the government introduced tighter compliance requirements for online platforms dealing with synthetic and AI-created content, including deepfakes. Under the revised rules, platforms such as X and Instagram are required to remove such content within three hours if it is flagged by a competent authority or a court.
The government also amended the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to formally define AI-generated and synthetic content. The changes cover manipulated or AI-created audio, visual and audio-visual material designed to appear authentic, while excluding routine editing, accessibility enhancements and good-faith educational or design-related work.
In addition, the Centre has proposed stricter disclosure requirements that would mandate clear and continuous labelling of AI-generated content throughout the duration of its display.
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