India is getting closer to its first clear rules for artificial intelligence. IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on 8 October 2026 that the government will publish a consultation paper on regulating AI within a month — which puts the draft around early November.
Safety comes first
The minister made safety the top priority. He singled out deepfakes as a growing worry: the fake videos and voices made with AI are getting better fast, and it is becoming harder for ordinary people to tell what is real.
What the paper is expected to cover
- Harms caused by AI, especially fake and misleading content made and spread with AI tools
- Cybersecurity and user safety
- Deepfakes, where technology companies are expected to carry the main responsibility
- Skilling, so that the benefits of AI reach every section of society
Not just a law, but a “techno-legal” fix
Vaishnaw said a law on its own will not be enough. The government wants rules backed by technical safeguards, built together with industry and other experts.
Why it matters
For businesses using AI in India, this paper will be the first look at what responsibilities they may carry. For everyone else, it is a sign that the fight against deepfakes is moving from warnings to rules. A consultation paper is a draft for public feedback, not a final law — so details like penalties are still to come.