Government to release consultation paper on AI regulation within a month

The Centre will release a consultation paper on artificial intelligence within a month to regulate the technology. IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the time has come for AI regulation amidst growing anxieties over security risks and deceptive altered media.

Core Focus Areas

The consultation will primarily focus on AI safety, skilling, and ensuring that changes remain inclusive for all sections of society. A key concern is the rise of deepfakes and the psychological impact of AI systems. Vaishnaw noted that the bulk of the responsibility must lie with the industry.

Previous Stance and Lawmaking

The government previously stated that existing laws were enough to deal with AI challenges, but has since enacted piecemeal legislation. In April, it proposed that social media companies like YouTube, Instagram, and X must continuously display labels on AI-generated content. Authorities are also exploring a consent-based framework and regulatory sandboxes for high-risk applications.

Liability and Agentic AI

Another major issue under discussion is the liability of AI platforms and developers for generated content, contrasting with traditional safe harbour protections for social media. The government is also looking into agentic AI, which refers to autonomous systems that independently plan multi-step actions with minimal human supervision.

Context

AI regulation is becoming a major priority for governments worldwide as generative tools become more advanced and accessible. Policymakers are trying to balance protecting users from fraud and misinformation with encouraging continued technological growth and innovation.