New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday asserted that global digital platforms operating in India must strictly adhere to the country’s constitutional and legal framework while respecting its cultural sensitivities.
Speaking at a press conference during the India AI Impact Summit-2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Vaishnaw said multinational technology companies cannot apply uniform standards across markets without accounting for local laws and social norms.
“Whether it is Netflix, YouTube or Meta, all platforms must function within the legal framework of the country in which they operate,” he said, referring to Netflix, YouTube, and Meta.
Respecting Cultural Context
The minister stressed that content considered acceptable in one nation may be restricted in another, and companies must recognize these differences. He added that most global firms attempt to align their operations with local regulations and cultural expectations.
Vaishnaw’s remarks come amid growing debates around digital governance, content moderation, and the responsibilities of multinational platforms in diverse democratic societies.
Deepfakes Raise Alarm
The minister also raised serious concerns over the increasing threat posed by deepfakes and AI-generated manipulated content. He called for stronger safeguards to prevent misuse of emerging technologies.
“Deepfakes are a problem that is growing day by day. There is a clear need to protect our children and society from the harms they can cause,” he said.
Vaishnaw noted that the government has initiated discussions with industry stakeholders to assess whether additional regulations are required beyond existing measures. He also said the Parliamentary IT Committee has examined the issue and made recommendations that will inform future policymaking.
“Certainly, we need much stronger regulations on deepfakes, and we will build consensus within Parliament to bring in stronger safeguards,” he added.
Age-Based Content Controls Under Discussion
On age-based content regulation, Vaishnaw said several countries have implemented mechanisms to ensure children access age-appropriate digital content. He confirmed that the government is currently in talks with social media companies to determine effective systems for age-based restrictions in India.
The minister reiterated that the government remains committed to balancing innovation with user safety, ensuring that digital platforms operate responsibly within India’s constitutional and cultural framework.
