India moves toward dedicated AI regulation law, says IT Secretary

India's government is taking a significant step toward governing artificial intelligence with a dedicated regulatory framework. IT Secretary S. Krishnan stated that the time has come for a separate AI law, acknowledging that while existing legal provisions have addressed initial concerns regarding deepfakes and AI-generated content, an 'additional regulation or law may be needed' to handle the broader challenges posed by AI. The conversation has commenced within the administration, but Krishnan did not provide specific timelines for when new legislation might be introduced.

This development places India among a growing list of nations exploring AI-specific regulations, similar to the EU's AI Act. The move is particularly notable given India's dual role as a major technology hub and a populous nation with diverse use cases for AI. The focus on deepfakes first indicates a phased approach, tackling immediate harms before addressing issues like algorithmic bias, data privacy, and accountability. For tech companies operating in India, this signals potential compliance requirements ahead, making early engagement with the regulatory process critical.