India doesn’t need separate AI law for now, says high-level govt panel

The committee stated that existing laws-such as those governing IT, data protection, consumer protection, and civil and criminal codes-are adequate to oversee AI applications

A high-powered government committee on artificial intelligence (AI) has concluded that India does not currently need a dedicated law to regulate AI, as most of the risks linked to the technology can be managed under existing legal frameworks, Times of India reported.

The panel, however, emphasised the importance of creating an India-specific risk assessment framework based on empirical evidence of harm. The newly released 'India AI Governance Guidelines' also call on the industry to adopt voluntary measures to ensure privacy and security, alongside a grievance redressal mechanism that allows for the reporting of AI-related harms.

The guidelines were announced by key government officials including Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood, IT Secretary S. Krishnan, and committee members Abhishek Singh (Additional Secretary, IT Ministry) and Balaraman Ravindran (Professor, IIT Madras), as per Times of India.

The committee stated that existing laws-such as those governing IT, data protection, consumer protection, and civil and criminal codes-are adequate to oversee AI applications.

"At this stage, a separate AI law is not necessary, given the current assessment of risks. However, timely and consistent enforcement of these laws is essential to build trust and mitigate harm," the guidelines said, as cited by Times of India.

IT Secretary S. Krishnan added that the government remains open to introducing specific AI legislation if needed in the future.

"Let me again assert that if the need arises for legislation or regulation, the government will not be found wanting," he said.

The guidelines advocate a balanced, agile, and flexible regulatory framework that supports innovation while minimising risks. They recommend a review of current laws to identify gaps in relation to AI systems and address them through targeted amendments. The overall objective, according to Times of India, is to foster innovation and AI adoption while protecting individuals and society from harm.

The government's approach is to regulate AI applications through sector-specific regulators, rather than imposing controls on the core technology itself. However, the guidelines also acknowledged the potential risks AI poses to citizens and society, stating:

"Mitigating the risks of AI to individuals and society is a key pillar of the governance framework."

The committee has proposed setting up a grievance redressal mechanism to handle AI-related harm complaints, along with the publication of transparency reports assessing potential risks to people and society in India. Sensitive information, it added, should be shared confidentially with regulators where required.

As reported by Times of India, the panel also recommended a graded liability system that assigns responsibility based on the function performed, the level of risk involved, and whether due diligence was exercised.

The report concludes that while India's current legal framework is adequate for now, proactive enforcement, transparency, and responsible AI deployment will be crucial to ensuring that the technology benefits society while minimising potential harm.