India could soon move towards a dedicated legal framework for artificial intelligence, as IT Secretary S Krishnan has indicated that existing laws may no longer be sufficient to regulate the rapidly evolving technology.
India Gets a Dedicated AI Law Soon
Speaking about the need for stronger oversight, Krishnan said the government has already started discussions on a separate AI law. While the Information Technology Act and existing IT Rules have helped address issues such as deepfakes and AI-generated content, he believes the time is right to consider a dedicated regulatory framework.
However, he clarified that drafting and implementing a new law is a structured process and will depend on broader government and legislative procedures.
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has also previously acknowledged that India’s current IT laws were enacted before the rise of modern AI technologies. The government is consulting industry stakeholders to create regulations that encourage innovation while ensuring AI is developed and used responsibly.
Focus on Deepfakes and AI Content
The push for stronger AI regulation comes amid growing concerns over deepfakes, misinformation, and other AI-generated content. Earlier this year, the government introduced stricter rules requiring online platforms such as X and Instagram to remove flagged deepfake or synthetic content within three hours of receiving directions from a competent authority or court.
The Centre has also proposed mandatory and continuous labelling of AI-generated content so users can easily identify synthetic media across digital platforms.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, India appears to be preparing for a more comprehensive legal framework aimed at protecting users while supporting technological growth.
