Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, delivered a clear and firm message to global digital platforms on Tuesday: if you operate in India, you must respect its Constitution, laws, and cultural sensitivities. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, the minister underscored that multinational technology companies cannot apply a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to content and digital governance.
Referring to platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, and Meta, Vaishnaw stated that every digital service provider must operate strictly within the legal framework of the country where it functions. What may be considered acceptable in one nation, he pointed out, could be prohibited in another. Therefore, companies must understand the cultural and social context of India rather than relying solely on global standards.
India, now one of the largest digital markets in the world, presents immense opportunities for global technology firms. However, the minister made it clear that growth and innovation cannot override constitutional boundaries. He emphasized that respecting local traditions and values is not optional but essential for responsible digital operations. According to him, most global companies attempt to comply with local norms, but stronger accountability mechanisms may be required as technologies evolve.
A significant portion of Vaishnaw’s remarks focused on the growing threat of deepfakes. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has made it easier to create manipulated videos and fabricated content that appear authentic. The minister described deepfakes as a serious and expanding challenge, particularly because they can harm individuals, mislead the public, and expose children to dangerous misinformation. He said there is an urgent need to introduce stronger safeguards and regulatory measures to prevent misuse of AI tools.
The government has already initiated consultations with industry stakeholders to assess what additional regulations might be necessary beyond existing frameworks. Vaishnaw noted that the Parliamentary IT Committee has studied the issue and provided observations that will help shape future policy decisions. He expressed confidence that a consensus would be built within Parliament to implement tougher safeguards against deepfake misuse.
Another key concern raised during the summit was age-based content regulation. The minister said many countries have introduced mechanisms to ensure children do not access inappropriate material online. India is currently in discussions with social media and streaming platforms to determine the most effective and technologically feasible methods of implementing age-based controls. The objective is to create a safer digital environment for minors without stifling creativity or technological advancement.
Throughout his address, Vaishnaw reiterated that India remains committed to fostering innovation in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. At the same time, he stressed that technological growth must be balanced with accountability and public safety. Digital platforms operating in India may need to strengthen content moderation systems, improve AI detection tools, and introduce stricter compliance measures in the coming months.
The message from the government is unmistakable. India welcomes global platforms and values innovation, but expects full adherence to its constitutional framework and cultural ethos. As artificial intelligence continues to transform the digital landscape, regulatory oversight is likely to become sharper and more structured. For companies like Netflix, YouTube, and Meta, the path forward in India will depend not only on market strategy but also on how responsibly they align with the country’s laws and societal expectations.
Key Highlights:
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw asked global digital platforms to follow India’s Constitution and legal framework. He stressed that cultural sensitivities vary across countries and must be respected. The government is considering stronger regulations to tackle deepfake threats. Discussions are ongoing regarding age-based content restrictions. India aims to balance digital innovation with responsible governance and user safety.