The Indian government is preparing to release a consultation paper on artificial intelligence regulation within the next month, with AI safety, deepfakes, cybersecurity and user protection expected to form key areas of discussion.
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the proposed consultation on Thursday, October 8, indicating that the government intends to seek stakeholder feedback before developing a broader regulatory framework for AI technologies.
According to a PTI report, Vaishnaw said the growing use of artificial intelligence across sectors has created a need for regulations that address potential risks while considering the technology's wider implications.
"The time has come for AI regulations," Vaishnaw said, adding that the consultation paper would provide the foundation for subsequent regulatory measures.
The minister identified AI safety as a primary concern, particularly as increasingly sophisticated AI systems become accessible to businesses and individual users.
Deepfakes are expected to receive particular attention during the consultation process. AI-generated images, audio and videos have raised concerns about impersonation, misinformation and the potential manipulation of public opinion.
Vaishnaw described deepfakes as a nuisance capable of creating significant societal problems, noting that misleading synthetic content could influence people's beliefs and actions.
Beyond deepfakes, the proposed framework will examine cybersecurity threats, psychological impacts and other forms of harm associated with AI deployment. The consultation is expected to consider how these risks can be addressed through a combination of technological safeguards and regulatory measures.
Vaishnaw advocated a "techno-legal solution", suggesting that legislation alone would not be sufficient to address the challenges associated with artificial intelligence.
Under this approach, technical interventions and regulatory requirements would work together to support safer AI development and deployment.
The minister also emphasised the responsibility of technology companies and other industry participants in addressing risks arising from AI systems.
"The industry has to take the primary responsibility," he said, referring to cybersecurity, safety, user harm and deepfake-related concerns.
Another area of focus will be workforce skilling and the human impact of AI adoption. The government intends to consider how technological changes can be managed without overlooking the people affected by automation and AI-enabled systems.
Vaishnaw stressed the importance of maintaining a human-centred approach as AI becomes more widely integrated into economic and social activities.
The consultation paper is expected to invite views from industry stakeholders and other participants, with the feedback informing the government's subsequent approach to AI governance.
The announcement signals the beginning of a formal consultation process rather than the introduction of immediate regulatory requirements. Specific provisions, compliance obligations and implementation timelines have not yet been announced.
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