India's IT ministry weighs a sector-by-sector approach in its coming AI law consultation paper
Unnamed officials told the Hindustan Times that sector regulators such as Sebi and RBI should lead, with tighter rules for critical infrastructure; the paper itself has not been published.
Why it matters
India's IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on October 8 that a consultation paper on a new AI law would follow within a month, a shift from the government's earlier view that existing laws and voluntary norms were enough. Officials now say the paper will cover safety, skilling, inclusivity and risk, and ask who regulates AI and who is liable for harm. A sector-led model would follow how Sebi and RBI already handle AI in finance. Watch for the paper itself and whether it names a lead regulator.
Key facts
- Consultation paper being drafted by MeitY
- Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced it on October 8
- Officials favour sector regulators such as Sebi and RBI
- Tighter rules likely for critical infrastructure
- TRAI draft guidelines of October 30 cover telecom AI failures