India plans AI regulation: Deepfakes, user safety in focus as Vaishnaw signals paper

India plans to release an AI consultation paper within a month, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The proposed framework will seek stakeholder feedback on AI safety, deepfakes, cybersecurity, user harm and skilling, with the government considering a techno-legal approach to regulating AI.

India is on the verge of taking a step forward in regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI), with the government expected to publish a consultation paper soon.

Union Minister of State for Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said that while the government is developing a more comprehensive regulatory system, the proposed paper will also invite stakeholder feedback on issues such as AI safety, deepfakes, user harm, and skill development.

According to news agency PTI, the consultation will help lay the groundwork for future AI regulations, Vaishnaw said. The step has been taken to address these concerns, including the potential for AI-generated content to be misused, cybersecurity threats, and the technology's impact on users. The government is also seeking a balance between safety and ongoing technological advances.

AI safety and deepfakes at the centre of proposed rules

In the proposed framework, AI safety will be expected to be a major priority. It was time to ‘regulate AI’ and to develop a consultation paper on the risks of using AI, Vaishnaw said.

Another area of concern is deepfakes. AI-generated images, videos and audio can increasingly appear authentic, making it harder for people to distinguish fabricated content from genuine material.

Deepfakes could pose serious social issues by disseminating misinformation and influencing public opinion, Vaishnaw warned. The consultation will also examine broader risks related to cybersecurity, psychological harm, and user safety, PTI reported.

Pragya Singha Roy