In India, AI is no longer just an advanced technology—it has become a natural part of everyday digital activities.
Whether it’s chatting online, making digital payments, or using apps that offer personalized videos, news, and shopping recommendations, AI is everywhere.
As AI grows, so does the concern about how it will be controlled and how citizens can stay safe while using it.
To address these concerns, the central government has released the India AI Governance Guidelines, a 65-page document that outlines how AI in the country can remain safe, transparent, and beneficial for everyone.
While the guidelines cover broad policies, their biggest impact will be on millions of smartphone and internet users.
The government’s key message is that public trust is the foundation of AI, and without it, the progress of this technology will slow down.
Clear Transparency Rules for AI Apps
One of the biggest changes users will see is increased transparency.
The guidelines state that AI systems must be “Understandable by Design”, meaning apps must provide simple and clear disclosures about how AI is being used.
This means any AI-generated content—whether in chatbots, recommendations, shopping apps, loan suggestions, or videos—must clearly explain why it is being shown to the user.
Algorithms can no longer make hidden or unexplained decisions.
The guidelines also stress that transparency must exist throughout the entire AI process—from design and development to daily operations—so mistakes or misuse can be quickly fixed.
Strong Measures Against Deepfakes and Harmful Content
Deepfakes—fake videos, voices, and images—are one of the biggest dangers of AI misuse. These can seriously harm people’s privacy and safety.
The guidelines call this a fast-growing threat and demand immediate action.
The government recommends adding watermarks to all AI-generated photos and videos so people can easily tell real content from fake.
Platforms will also have to create systems to detect deepfakes.
The document specifically highlights that women face the highest risk from non-consensual AI-created content, and therefore need extra protection and strict legal safeguards.
Strong Data Privacy and User Rights
AI depends heavily on user data for training. Because of this, the guidelines make it clear that all AI systems must follow India’s data protection laws.
Platforms must get explicit consent before using anyone’s data to train AI models.
Users must also be told why their data is being collected and how it will be used.
In the future, users may also gain the right to move their data to other services (data portability), giving them more digital freedom.
Quick Complaint Resolution for AI-Related Harm
The guidelines emphasize the importance of a strong grievance redressal system. Every company
and digital platform must allow users to easily file complaints about any AI-related damage.
This system must include multi-language support, fast responses, and clear updates on complaint status.
The guidelines also suggest creating a National AI Incident Database, where all AI-related issues will be recorded to help detect risks early.
Better Protection Against Cyberattacks
AI misuse can also happen through cyberattacks, data poisoning, or tampering with systems. The guidelines warn about these threats and call for strong security practices.
As a result, the overall digital ecosystem—apps, networks, and smartphones—will need stronger protection.
AI-based threat detection tools and regular security audits will become more common.
Awareness Programs to Improve AI Understanding
The document repeatedly stresses that people need to be educated about AI—how it works, what benefits it offers, and what risks it carries.
The government is planning nationwide training programs and awareness campaigns to help citizens recognize deepfakes, avoid false suggestions, and use AI safely.
