Existing IT Acts Predates Artificial Intelligence Era says The IT Ministrer
Union IT and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday that as the current information technology legislation was drafted long before the surge of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a new legal framework is likely vital to address this transforming technological shift.
During an interview with PTI, Vaishnaw explained that the government is actively holding discussions with industry stakeholders, aiming to find a middle ground that safeguards regulation without cramping technological innovation.
When questioned on whether India would introduce a standalone AI law or simply update the existing IT Act, especially as global discussions around AI safety intensify, Vaishnaw acknowledged that the matter remains highly complex.
“It’s a very complex topic. Certain things have been done under the IT Act framework, but I do think that there is a requirement for a new law because the world of AI is very different from the world when the IT Act was enacted in 2000.”
The government is engaging with the industry, he added.
“We are discussing with the industry as always, our objective and approach will be to balance innovation and regulation in a manner that innovation keeps happening, while our citizens remain safe,” the minister said.
India is rapidly positioning itself as a global technology powerhouse by blending its IndiaAI Mission with an aggressive semiconductor roadmap, it has significantly accelerated startups funding in India reversing the sharp decline which occurred during 2023-2024
When asked about ill effects of AI and social media Space he stated that “It has becoming a point of big concern absolutely looking video can be generated in AI and people can be misled into believing false propaganda and false news, so it is very necessary that we come out with technological as well as legal solution.
India has been tightening IT rules to firmly crack down on AI deepfakes.
In February this year, the government brought in stricter obligations for online platforms on handling AI-generated and synthetic content, including deepfakes, saying platforms, such as X and Instagram, must take down within three hours any such content flagged by a competent authority or courts.
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