Ashwini Vaishnaw says Netflix, YouTube, Meta must follow Indian laws; calls for stronger Deepfake regulations
Says multinational technology firms must recognise that content considered acceptable in one country may not align with social or legal norms of another
PTC Web Desk: Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday underlined that international digital platforms operating in India must comply fully with the country’s constitutional and legal framework, while also remaining mindful of its cultural values.
Speaking at a press conference during the India AI Impact Summit-2026 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, Vaishnaw said companies such as Netflix, YouTube and Meta are required to function within the laws of the land. He stressed that multinational technology firms must recognise that content considered acceptable in one country may not align with the social or legal norms of another.
The minister noted that cultural contexts differ across nations and said it was essential for global platforms to adapt accordingly. He added that most companies make efforts to operate in line with local regulations, but reiterated that adherence to Indian law is non-negotiable.
Vaishnaw also raised alarm over the increasing misuse of artificial intelligence tools to create deepfakes and other forms of manipulated content. Calling it a rapidly escalating challenge, he said stronger regulatory safeguards were needed to protect individuals, particularly children, from potential harm.
He revealed that the government has already begun consultations with industry representatives to assess whether additional legal provisions are required beyond the current framework. Inputs from the Parliamentary IT Committee, which has examined the issue, will also guide future policy decisions.
“There is a clear case for more robust regulation to tackle deepfakes,” the minister indicated, adding that efforts would be made to build political consensus for introducing stronger measures.
On the issue of children’s exposure to online material, Vaishnaw said several countries have implemented age-based content restrictions to ensure safer digital environments. India is currently engaging with social media platforms to explore practical mechanisms for introducing effective age-verification systems.
He reiterated that the government’s objective is to strike a balance between encouraging technological innovation and ensuring responsible digital governance within India’s constitutional and cultural boundaries.