New Delhi, October 9, 2026 | Online Indian News

The Indian government is preparing new rules for artificial intelligence (AI), with safety, deepfakes and the prevention of online harm expected to be among the key areas of focus. Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that a consultation paper on AI regulation will be released within the next month.

The proposed paper will help shape India’s approach to regulating AI as the technology becomes increasingly common in everyday life. The government wants to address the risks associated with AI while ensuring that people can benefit from its growing use across different sectors.

Deepfakes Emerge as a Major Concern

One of the key issues expected to be addressed is the growing threat posed by deepfakes. These are digitally created or manipulated videos, images and audio recordings that can make it appear as though a person has said or done something that never actually happened.

As AI tools become more advanced, fake content can look increasingly realistic, making it harder for people to distinguish genuine information from manipulated material. Deepfakes can be used to spread misinformation, impersonate individuals, damage reputations and support online scams.

Vaishnaw has highlighted the potential social harm caused by such content. The proposed consultation paper is expected to examine how AI-related risks can be addressed through appropriate safeguards and greater responsibility from those developing and using the technology.

Government Takes a Closer Look at AI Safety

The planned consultation will focus on AI safety and security, keeping people at the centre of technological development and reducing the potential harm caused by misuse.

The government is also looking at how AI can be developed and used responsibly while ensuring that its benefits reach people across different sections of society.

Artificial intelligence is already being explored in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture and business. It has the potential to improve services and productivity, but its wider adoption also raises concerns about cybersecurity, privacy, misinformation and the impact on users.

The challenge for policymakers will be to establish safeguards that address these risks without unnecessarily limiting useful innovation.

Technology Companies May Have Greater Responsibility

Vaishnaw has indicated that regulating AI will require more than legislation alone. The government is considering a technology-backed approach that combines legal measures with practical safeguards.

Technology companies and other industry participants are expected to play an important role in addressing AI-related risks. This could include improving security, identifying harmful applications and developing systems that help reduce the spread of manipulated content.

The consultation paper is expected to provide a basis for further discussions on how responsibilities should be shared between the government and the technology industry. The specific obligations that may apply to companies and online platforms will depend on the proposals and any subsequent decisions.

Skills Development and Inclusion Also on the Agenda

Alongside safety, the proposed framework is expected to consider skills development, reskilling and inclusion as AI continues to change the way people work and access services.

As businesses increasingly adopt AI tools, workers may need new skills to adapt to changing job requirements. Training and wider access to technology could help more people participate in the opportunities created by AI.

The government has also emphasised the importance of ensuring that technological progress benefits society broadly rather than leaving some groups behind.

What Happens Next?

The consultation paper is expected within a month of the minister’s October 8 announcement. It will help clarify the regulatory options being considered and provide a starting point for the next stage of India’s AI policy discussions.

The final rules have not yet been announced, and important details about their scope and implementation remain to be seen.

As artificial intelligence becomes more powerful and widely available, the decisions taken now could influence how the technology is developed, deployed and used across India.

For the public, the central issue is how to benefit from AI while reducing the risks of deepfakes, online fraud and other forms of misuse. The upcoming consultation will be an important step in determining how India approaches that balance.

Online Indian News will continue to follow developments on the proposed AI regulations as further details emerge.