India’s government will release a consultation paper on AI regulation within about a month, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on 8 October 2026. The paper is meant to lay the groundwork for future AI rules, according to Inc42.
Vaishnaw spoke at the launch of the World Bank’s World Development Report, “The Promise of Artificial Intelligence.”
What Will the AI Regulation Consultation Paper Cover?
The planned framework is expected to cover AI safety and security, harms from deepfakes, and skilling so that no group is left behind. Vaishnaw called AI-morphed content a “nuisance which can cause huge problems in society,” saying it sets dangerous precedents, misleads the public and is improving in quality.
What Is the Government’s Techno-Legal Approach?
Vaishnaw said AI cannot be managed through legislation alone, so the government plans a “techno-legal” approach with industry participation. He said “The industry has to take the primary responsibility” for cybersecurity, safety, user harm, psychological harm and the spread of deepfakes.
He has previously said the IT Act is becoming obsolete and that India needs a new legal framework for AI. MeitY had earlier proposed amending the IT Act to require platforms to label deepfakes and AI-generated content as “synthetically generated information.”
What Does This Mean for Indian Businesses Using AI?
Companies building or deploying AI, and platforms hosting user content, should expect industry to carry primary responsibility for safety and harm prevention. The consultation paper will be the first formal chance to see how that is framed and to give feedback.
Industry Reaction and Expert Commentary
The source article did not include reactions from industry bodies or analysts. It noted that a BBC investigation alleged Instagram ads were directing users to Telegram channels selling child sexual abuse material; MeitY summoned Meta, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights opened an inquiry, and Meta and Google later agreed to report child abuse content to Indian law enforcement.
What Happens Next?
The paper is expected in roughly a month. No exact date was given, and the contents of the proposals are yet to be published.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will India release its AI regulation consultation paper?
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said it will be released within about a month of 8 October 2026; no exact date was announced.
What will the paper address?
AI safety and security, harms from deepfakes, and skilling.
What does techno-legal mean?
Vaishnaw used the term to describe managing AI through a mix of technology and law, with industry taking primary responsibility, rather than through legislation alone.
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