India’s AI Regulation Consultation Paper To Release Shortly: Ashwini Vaishnaw

The Indian government will release a consultation paper on India’s proposed techno-legal framework for AI within a month, said Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday.

This move comes as part of the Centre’s effort in formalising its approach to AI regulation.

The paper will focus on 5 areas, namely safety, humanity, skilling, inclusivity and harm mitigation.

As per a Hindustan Times report, at the launch of the World Development Report The Promise of Artificial Intelligence in New Delhi, Vaishnaw said that the government believes AI cannot be regulated through legislation alone. It will, instead, require a techno-legal approach involving industry and other stakeholders from the outset.

“Time has come for AI regulation. I have asked the department to come out with a regulation-focused consultation paper which will focus on safety, humanity, skilling, inclusivity and harms which come from society…in a month’s time we should be able to publish the consultation paper – which will form the base for the AI regulation that has to come,” Vaishnaw said.

According to MeitY’s approach, the industry will have to take primary responsibility for addressing issues including user harm, cybersecurity, safety, psychological disorders and deepfakes. The consultation paper is expected to provide the foundation for the broader AI regulatory framework and allow stakeholders to contribute to its development.

Alongside regulation, the government is also looking at how India’s education system can adapt to the rapid adoption of AI.

Vaishnaw noted that the government has received suggestions from industry on an AI-focused curriculum for students and young people and has forwarded those recommendations to the Ministry of Education.

The minister said the government, industry and universities could work together to update course curricula so that students entering college today are better prepared to work with AI.

The move puts regulation and skilling on the same map, reflecting the government’s broader view of India’s AI transition.