- India is set to begin work on a dedicated legal framework for artificial intelligence (AI) as concerns over deepfakes and cyber threats grow, according to IT Secretary S. Krishnan.
- Krishnan stated that the time has come to look at a separate AI regulation, indicating that existing laws may not suffice as risks evolve.
- The government is considering a new AI law as the current IT law was framed before the rapid emergence of AI technologies, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
- Krishnan emphasized that while existing provisions have addressed initial concerns, an additional regulation may be necessary to tackle new challenges posed by AI.
- The existing provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 have been deemed sufficient for addressing concerns around deepfakes and synthetic content so far.
- In February, the government mandated that online platforms must remove AI-generated or synthetic content flagged by authorities within three hours, reflecting a tightening of regulatory oversight.
India is moving towards a dedicated legal framework for artificial intelligence (AI), as concerns over deepfakes and cyber threats escalate. IT Secretary S. Krishnan stated that the government will soon consult stakeholders to address the limitations of existing laws, which were established before the rapid rise of AI technologies.1
"We have used the IT rules and other provisions of existing law to address various concerns that AI raises, but now, probably the time has come to look at separate legislation," Krishnan remarked at the CII Cybersecurity Summit. He emphasized that while current regulations have been adequate for initial challenges, evolving risks necessitate a more robust legal framework.2
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw previously noted that the current IT law was framed long before AI's emergence, indicating a need for new legislation to keep pace with technological advancements. The government has already tightened regulations, mandating online platforms to remove flagged AI-generated content within three hours.6
As Krishnan pointed out, the government is also addressing cybersecurity risks associated with AI, including recent actions against Chinese apps misused for remote vehicle shutdowns. The proposed legislation aims to balance innovation with necessary regulation, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of AI governance.
While no specific timeline has been provided, Krishnan confirmed that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will draft the new legislation, with the final process dependent on government and parliamentary approval.
“The Indian government plans to initiate consultations for a dedicated regulatory framework for artificial intelligence. IT Secretary S Krishnan emphasized that existing laws have been adequate but a separate legislation may be necessary as technology evolves.”
