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On 17 February 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced the Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health Artificial Intelligence (AI) (BODH). The initiative introduces a testing requirement for validating AI models used in the healthcare sector. BODH establishes a mechanism to evaluate AI solutions using diverse, anonymised real-world health datasets to assess their performance, robustness, bias, and generalisability. The platform aims to institutionalise benchmarking standards to ensure that AI systems are reliable and clinically relevant before their deployment at a population scale.
On 17 February 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (SAHI). The initiative applies to the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions within the healthcare sector. SAHI establishes a governance framework, policy compass, and national roadmap for the responsible use of AI. The framework promotes ethical, transparent, and accountable practices while remaining people-centric, facilitating collaboration between healthcare institutions, technology developers, researchers, and policymakers. Furthermore, the strategy aims to ensure that AI tools are secure, interoperable, and trustworthy, meeting standards for safety, efficacy, and ethical compliance before large-scale adoption.
On 11 February 2026, the Reserve Bank of India published the (Commercial Banks-Responsible Business Conduct) Amendment Directions, 2026, issued under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, and proposed to take effect from 1 July 2026. The Draft Amendment Directions modify the Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks – Responsible Business Conduct) Directions, 2025, and apply to all Commercial Banks other than Small Finance Banks, Payments Banks, Regional Rural Banks, and Local Area Banks. The modifications insert a definition of dark pattern, described as any practice or deceptive design pattern using user interface or user experience interactions on any platform designed to mislead or trick users by subverting consumer autonomy, decision-making, or choice. Banks would be required to ensure that user interfaces do not deploy any dark patterns and would be subject to user testing and periodic internal audit. A new Annex IIA sets out an illustrative list of dark patterns relevant to banks, including false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action, subscription trap, interface interference, bait and switch, drip pricing, disguised advertisement, nagging, and trick wording. Banks would also be required to adhere to the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
On 6 February 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued the guidelines for accessibility of content on platforms of publishers of online curated content (OTT Platforms) for persons with hearing and visual impairment. The guidelines stipulate accessibility standards for audio-visual content in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Publishers of online curated content are required, within 36 months of the publication of the guidelines, to ensure that all newly published content includes at least one accessibility feature for each of the visually and hearing-impaired user groups, such as closed or open captioning, Indian Sign Language interpretation, or audio description. Platforms must also ensure that user interfaces are compatible with assistive technologies and that accessible content is clearly identified through accessibility indicators. Publishers are obligated to submit an Accessibility Conformance Report upon the expiration of the 36-month period and subsequently on a quarterly basis. Exemptions are applicable to live and deferred live content, audio-only content such as music or podcasts, and standalone short-form content of 10 minutes or less. The oversight of compliance is facilitated by a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism involving publishers, self-regulating bodies, and a Monitoring Committee established by the Ministry.
On 6 February 2026, the Online Matrimonial and Dating Services (Promotion and Regulation) Bill (Bill No. VIII of 2026) was introduced to the lower House of Parliament. The Bill would prohibit casual dating services and establish a regulatory framework for matrimonial services, including an operational licence requirement mandating registration with the Matrimonial Services Authority. The Bill would apply to online intermediaries offering dating or matrimonial services in India or targeting users in India. It would prohibit the offering, hosting, advertising, or financial facilitation of casual dating services, defined as platforms facilitating transient or non-committal romantic encounters through features such as swipe-based matching or algorithmic promotion of short-term interactions. Matrimonial services would be required to register with the Matrimonial Services Authority and comply with obligations on verified profiles, anti-harassment measures, age-appropriate matching, grievance redressal, and data protection standards. Offering casual dating services would be punishable by imprisonment of up to 3 years and fines of up to INR 10’000’000. The Bill would also amend the Information Technology Act, 2000, to remove safe harbour protection for intermediaries hosting or facilitating prohibited casual dating services.
On 6 February 2026, the Artificial Intelligence (Human Health and Medical Education) Regulation Bill, 2026 (Bill No. XIII of 2026) was introduced to the Council of States. The Bill proposes a statutory framework governing the development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence systems in healthcare, clinical research, and medical education, and would provide for the establishment of the National Authority for Artificial Intelligence in Human Health and Medical Education as a central regulatory and supervisory body. It would permit Government and private healthcare institutions to use artificial intelligence systems for diagnostic support, treatment planning, patient monitoring, prescription review, clinical audit, and operational management, subject to human oversight and informed consent. It would prohibit autonomous prescription or final clinical decision-making. Accountability for diagnosis, prescription, and treatment decisions would remain with qualified medical professionals. The proposed Authority would register and approve systems, classify high-risk applications, set technical and ethical standards, and oversee validation and post-deployment monitoring. Furthermore, the Bill proposes the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Harm Compensation Fund and would provide for fines of up to INR 50'000'000 for serious violations and up to INR 100'000'000 or imprisonment of up to 7 years where violations result in death.
On 7 January 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade closes the consultation on Part 1 of the working paper on generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and copyright. The paper applies to AI system developers using copyrighted materials for training generative AI models in India. The paper recommended a hybrid model based on a mandatory blanket licence allowing AI developers to use lawfully accessed copyrighted works for training, combined with a statutory remuneration right for rightsholders. It also stated that royalties would be collected by a government-designated non-profit entity and distributed through copyright societies, with rates set by a government-appointed committee and subject to judicial review. The paper also states that AI developers must obtain licences to use copyrighted content for training. A new entity called Copyright Royalties Collective for AI Training (CRCAT) would be established as a non-profit organisation under the Copyright Act, 1957. CRCAT would collect revenue-based royalties from AI developers, and the royalties would be distributed to copyright holders through member organisations. The framework aims to balance AI innovation with fair compensation for creators.
On 8 December 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade opened a consultation on Part 1 of the working paper on generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and copyright, until 7 January 2026. The paper applies to AI system developers using copyrighted materials for training generative AI models in India. The paper recommended a hybrid model based on a mandatory blanket licence allowing AI developers to use lawfully accessed copyrighted works for training, combined with a statutory remuneration right for rightsholders. It also stated that royalties would be collected by a government-designated non-profit entity and distributed through copyright societies, with rates set by a government-appointed committee and subject to judicial review. The paper also states that AI developers must obtain licences to use copyrighted content for training. A new entity called Copyright Royalties Collective for AI Training (CRCAT) would be established as a non-profit organisation under the Copyright Act, 1957. CRCAT would collect revenue-based royalties from AI developers, and the royalties would be distributed to copyright holders through member organisations. The framework aims to balance AI innovation with fair compensation for creators.
On 5 December 2025, the Machine Created Intellectual Asset Bill, 2025 (No. 43 of 2025), including artificial intelligence (AI) authority governance, was introduced to the Council of States of the Parliament of India. The Bill seeks to establish a legal framework to regulate intellectual and creative outputs generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The Bill applies to AI developers, model providers, platforms, and users of both free and paid AI models. The Bill would establish a National AI Data Governance Authority to regulate, supervise, and facilitate the lawful collection, processing, and use of data for AI systems and AI-generated content in India. The Authority would establish and maintain a central and interoperable public repository of AI-generated content containing metadata on authorship, creation, AI systems used, content type, and copyright or licence status. Further, the Authority would issue binding data governance standards, certify and audit high-risk datasets and training pipelines, maintain registries of datasets involving copyrighted content and mandate data provenance and traceability disclosures. The Bill would also introduce criminal and monetary penalties for a range of offences, including unauthorised use of protected machine-generated intellectual assets, breaches of AI data governance standards, non-disclosure or misrepresentation, unlawful re-identification of anonymised data, and fraudulent or unauthorised use of digital signatures by AI systems. The Authority would have powers to issue interim measures in the interests of justice or to prevent imminent harm, including suspension of an AI system, directions to cease certain activities, and seizure of digital evidence, in force for 30 days subject to extension. General immunity from civil or criminal liability would be given to entities developing and deploying AI systems in good faith, in compliance with regulations, and undertaking due diligence. Additionally, the Bill would require the government to establish Special Tribunals to adjudicate disputes, offences, and appeals arising under the Bill. The tribunal would have equivalent powers to civil courts and hear appeals against orders of the AI authority, issue interim orders, award penalties and damages, and enforce decisions.
On 5 December 2025, the Machine Created Intellectual Asset Bill, 2025 (No. 43 of 2025), including copyright protection regulation was introduced to the Council of States of the Parliament of India. The Bill seeks to establish a legal framework to regulate intellectual and creative outputs generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The Bill applies to AI developers, model providers, platforms, and users of both free and paid AI models. The Bill defines AI-generated work which do not quality as works of human authorship under existing copyright law. The Bill would set statutory rules for attribution, assigning authorship to the directing user for paid models, joint authorship to users and model providers for free or open-source models, and residual ownership to the entity controlling the AI system where no human author is identifiable. It further introduces a rebuttable presumption of authorship based on digital credentials, confers economic rights to use, reproduce, license, assign, and enforce AI-generated works, and extends moral rights of attribution and integrity. The Bill treats outputs substantially derived from copyrighted human works as derivative works subject to existing licensing and moral rights. Entities seeking exclusive rights in AI-generated works would need to apply for the registration of the content with the AI Authority created by the Bill. Finally, the Bill defines situations which do not constitute infringements of machine created intellectual assets, such as fair dealing, AI model training, or transient storage.
On 5 December 2025, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Ethics and Accountability) Bill, including user rights, was introduced to the House of People of the Parliament of India. The Bill aims to establish a nationwide ethics and accountability framework for the use of AI in decision-making, surveillance, and algorithmic systems. The Bill applies to developers, deployers, users of AI technologies, and other stakeholders operating across India. The Bill defines AI as systems performing human-like tasks, including decision-making, language processing, and visual perception, and recognises algorithmic bias as systematic errors causing unfair outcomes. The Bill provides that any affected individual or group may file complaints with the Committee regarding misuse or harm caused by AI technologies under the Bill. The Bill provides for fines of up to INR 5 crore, suspension or revocation of licences, and criminal liability for repeat violations.
On 5 December 2025, the Artificial Intelligence (Ethics and Accountability) Bill, including design requirements, was introduced to the House of People of the Parliament of India. The Bill aims to establish a nationwide ethics and accountability framework for the use of AI in decision-making, surveillance, and algorithmic systems. The Bill applies to developers, deployers, users of AI technologies, and other stakeholders operating across India. The Bill defines AI as systems performing human-like tasks, including decision-making, language processing, and visual perception, and recognises algorithmic bias as systematic errors causing unfair outcomes. The design requirements apply to developers of AI systems deployed in law enforcement, financial credit, and employment. The Bill prohibits discrimination in such systems based solely on race, religion, or gender. It also imposes transparency obligations on developers for disclosure of the AI system’s purpose and limitations. The developers are also required to explain the data sources and training methodologies used and provide reasons for AI decisions that affect individuals.
On 5 December 2025, the Artificial Intelligence (Ethics and Accountability) Bill, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) authority governance, was introduced to the House of People of the Parliament of India. The Bill aims to establish a nationwide ethics and accountability framework for the use of AI in decision-making, surveillance, and algorithmic systems. The Bill defines AI as systems performing human-like tasks, including decision-making, language processing, and visual perception, and recognises algorithmic bias as systematic errors causing unfair outcomes. The Bill applies to developers, deployers, users of AI technologies, and other stakeholders operating across India. It proposes the creation of a central government constituted ethics committee for AI to issue ethical guidelines, monitor compliance, investigate misuse and algorithmic bias and promote capacity-building. The Committee would include representatives from academia, industry, civil society and government, and experts in law, data science and human rights appointed by the Central Government. The Bill empowers the committee to conduct investigations based on complaints and recommend penalties or remedial actions. The Bill also provides for fines of up to INR 5 crore, suspension or revocation of licences, and criminal liability for repeat violations.
On 7 November 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) closes the public consultation on the Guidelines for Accessibility of Content on platforms of publishers of Online Curated Content (OTT Platforms) for Persons with Hearing and Visual Impairment, following the extension announced on 22 October 2025 from the original deadline of 22 October 2025. The guidelines require publishers to implement accessibility features such as closed or open captions, audio descriptions, and Indian Sign Language interpretation, ensure compatibility with assistive technologies, and achieve partial accessibility within six months and full accessibility within twenty-four months. Exemptions apply to live content, audio-only content, and short-form content, and platforms must submit quarterly progress reports, promote awareness of accessible content, and comply under the supervision of a committee chaired by a Joint Secretary.
On 4 November 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the India artificial intelligence (AI) governance guidelines. The guidelines set out seven guiding principles, trust is the foundation, people first, fairness and equity, innovation over restraint, accountability, understandable by design, and safety, resilience & sustainability. It proposes recommendations across six pillars, infrastructure, capacity building, policy and regulation, risk mitigation, accountability, and institutional structures. The guidelines introduce enablers including access to compute and datasets, integration with Digital Public Infrastructure, capacity development for officials, risk classification and incident reporting, voluntary compliance measures, and techno-legal approaches. The institutional architecture identifies the AI Governance Group (AIGG), Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC), and AI Safety Institute (AISI) for strategic oversight, development of standards, safety evaluations, and support for enforcement. The action plan includes short, medium, and long-term measures to operationalise the framework at the national level.
On 31 October 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology closes the consultation on the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, including user rights. The rules require online game service providers offering registered social games or e-sports to set up grievance redressal systems. Providers must maintain mechanisms to address user complaints. It also provides that users dissatisfied with resolutions or delays can appeal to the Grievance Appellate Committee within thirty days.
On 31 October 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology closes the consultation on the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, including registration requirements. The rules outline procedures for recognising and registering online games and e-sports. The rules apply to online game service providers offering social games or e-sports that generate revenue without wagers or stakes. Providers must apply digitally to the Online Gaming Authority of India, which will determine whether a game qualifies as an online money game, social game, or e-sport. Registered games receive a five-year Certificate of Registration and are listed in a national registry. The Authority may suspend, cancel, or accept the surrender of registration for non-compliance or false information. The Rules will take effect once notified by the Central Government.
On 31 October 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology closes the consultation on the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, including consumer protection authority governance. The rules apply to online gaming intermediaries and publishers offering real-money or skill-based games. The rules establish the Online Gaming Authority of India to regulate online game service providers providing online social games, e-sports, and online money games. The Authority will determine game classifications, maintain a national registry, issue guidelines, and enforce compliance. The Authority would be composed of senior officials from multiple ministries, and would have civil court powers to summon, investigate, and penalise violations. Penalties may include fines, suspension, or cancellation of registration, with appeals heard by an Appellate Authority. All penalties will be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.
On 22 October 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) opened a consultation on the draft Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules until 6 November 2025. The draft rules expand the definition of “information” to include synthetically generated information, defined as content artificially created or modified using computer resources to appear authentic. The draft rules would mandate visible labelling, metadata embedding, and traceability for all public-facing synthetically generated content. This involves ensuring that a permanent, unique metadata or identifier is visibly displayed or audibly present on or within the synthetic content, covering at least 10% of a visual display or 10% of audio duration. Intermediaries offering computer resources for creating or modifying such information must not alter or remove these labels. Furthermore, the amendments heighten due diligence obligations for intermediaries, particularly social media intermediaries and significant social media intermediaries (SSMIs). SSMIs will be required to obtain a user declaration regarding whether uploaded information is synthetically generated and deploy reasonable technical measures to verify these declarations. They must also ensure the labelling of content. These obligations apply to content displayed or published through their platforms, not to private material. The amendments also provide statutory protection for intermediaries that remove or disable access to harmful synthetic content based on reasonable efforts or user grievances.
On 14 October 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposed combination relating to the acquisition of 100 percent of the shares of Cloud4C Services (Target 1) and Cloud4C Services Private Limited (Target 2) by Capgemini SE. The acquirer, Capgemini SE, serves as the ultimate parent entity of the Capgemini Group, a publicly listed company with its shares traded on Euronext Paris. The target entities constitute a hybrid cloud managed services provider headquartered in Singapore, conducting most of their operations from India, where the majority of employees are based. Both the acquirer and the targets are engaged in the provision of Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology enabled Services (ITeS) within India. The CCI indicated that a detailed order concerning the assessment of the proposed combination under the Competition Act would be issued subsequently, providing further analysis of its effects on competition in the IT and ITeS sectors.
On 9 October 2025, the governments of India and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to advancing frontier technologies under the Technology Security Initiative (TSI). The parties committed to cooperate on artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications, critical minerals, health technology, and biotechnology. It includes the establishment of the India–United Kingdom Connectivity and Innovation Centre, supported by GBP 24 million in funding, to develop sixth generation (6G) networks, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), and telecom cybersecurity. The initiative also supports the India–United Kingdom Joint Centre for AI, which promotes the responsible use of AI in health, climate, financial technology, and engineering biology.
On 7 October 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting opened a consultation on the guidelines for accessibility of content on platforms of publishers of online curated content for persons with hearing and visual impairment, with the consultation deadline extended to 7 November 2025. The guidelines require publishers to provide accessibility features, including closed or open captions, audio descriptions, and Indian sign language interpretation. Platforms must also ensure user interfaces are compatible with assistive technologies. The guidelines also provide that the content must include at least one accessibility feature within six months, with full accessibility across content libraries within twenty-four months. Exemptions apply to live, audio-only, and short-form content. Platforms must submit quarterly progress reports, promote awareness of accessible content, and comply under the supervision of a committee chaired by a Joint Secretary.
On 6 October 2025, the Competition Commission of India released the market study report on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Competition, which analysed the dynamics of AI adoption in India, its implications for competition, and the regulatory landscape. The study focused on AI developers, startups, and user-sector companies across banking, financial services, and insurance, e-commerce, logistics, education, social media, and gaming. It highlights the AI ecosystem, including data, infrastructure, and development layers, and warns of competition risks, including AI-driven collusion, price discrimination, exclusive partnerships, and ecosystem lock-in. It also stated that barriers for smaller firms include data access, talent, computing costs, and cloud services. The study recommends self-audits for AI compliance, transparency measures, and fair competition to protect consumer welfare.
On 3 October 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs announced an investigation into e-commerce platforms over alleged misleading dark patterns. The investigation applies to online retailers charging extra cash-on-delivery to mislead consumers. The investigation aims to stop deceptive pricing and promote transparency in e-commerce. The Authority stated that platforms found violating consumer rights will face penalties.
On 2 October 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology opened a consultation on the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, including user rights, until 31 October 2025. The rules require online game service providers offering registered social games or e-sports to set up grievance redressal systems. Providers must maintain mechanisms to address user complaints. It also provides that users dissatisfied with resolutions or delays can appeal to the Grievance Appellate Committee within thirty days.
On 2 October 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology opened a consultation on the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, including registration requirements, until 31 October 2025. The rules outline procedures for recognising and registering online games and e-sports. The rules apply to online game service providers offering social games or e-sports that generate revenue without wagers or stakes. Providers must apply digitally to the Online Gaming Authority of India, which will determine whether a game qualifies as an online money game, social game, or e-sport. Registered games receive a five-year Certificate of Registration and are listed in a national registry. The Authority may suspend, cancel, or accept the surrender of registration for non-compliance or false information. The Rules will take effect once notified by the Central Government.
On 2 October 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology opened a consultation on the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, including consumer protection authority governance, until 31 October 2025. The rules apply to online gaming intermediaries and publishers offering real-money or skill-based games. The rules establish the Online Gaming Authority of India to regulate online game service providers offering online social games, e-sports, and online money games. The Authority will determine game classifications, maintain a national registry, issue guidelines, and enforce compliance. The Authority would be composed of senior officials from multiple ministries, and would have civil court powers to summon, investigate, and penalise violations. Penalties may include fines, suspension, or cancellation of registration, with appeals heard by an Appellate Authority. All penalties will be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.
On 24 September 2025, the Karnataka High Court dismissed X Corp’s writ petition challenging the validity of content takedown orders issued through the government’s Sahyog Portal under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act. The provision removes an internet intermediary's safe harbour protection from liability if they fail to remove or disable access to unlawful content. The Court held that the portal was a lawful administrative mechanism and reaffirmed that fundamental rights under Article 19 granting fundamental rights apply only to Indian citizens, excluding foreign entities, including X Corp.
On 15 September 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Regulation of Payment Aggregators Directions, 2025. The directions apply to all bank and non-bank payment aggregators operating in India. They cover three categories, including payment aggregator–physical (PA–PA-Physical), payment aggregator–online (PA–Online), and payment aggregator–cross border (PA–Cross Border). Authorised Dealers (ADs) and Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) are also included. It also states that payment aggregators must have a minimum net worth of INR 15 crore at the time of authorisation, rising to INR 25 crore by the third financial year. They are required to establish governance frameworks, dispute resolution mechanisms, and fraud prevention systems. Escrow accounts must be maintained to safeguard merchant funds. All merchants must undergo Know Your Customer (KYC) and due diligence checks. Aggregators are also required to comply with cybersecurity standards, including Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) compliance, regular audits, and vulnerability assessments.
On 12 September 2025, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, announced the continuation of proceedings following appeals by WhatsApp and Meta Platforms against the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) order of 18 November 2024. The CCI found Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, in violation of Section 4(2) of the Competition Act, 2002 for abuse of dominant position, imposed a penalty of INR 213.14 crore, and prohibited data sharing for advertising purposes for five years. On 23 January 2025, NCLAT granted interim relief by staying the five-year ban on data sharing for advertising while directing WhatsApp to disclose all purposes of data sharing, allow users to opt out of non-advertising data sharing, and deposit 50% of the penalty. At the 12 September hearing, submissions in Competition Appeal (AT) No. 1 of 2025 were ongoing. The Tribunal ordered both appeals to be listed together for further hearing.
On 8 September 2025, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) adopted the report on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for accelerated economic growth. The report highlights steps to support India's goal of 8% GDP growth by 2035 through AI adoption across sectors. It references the India AI Mission, approved by the Indian Cabinet in March 2024 and applies to India's AI ecosystem with an INR 10,000 crore budget over five years. The report recommends that Indian financial regulators could establish a new AI supervisory entity with oversight capabilities. The framework would apply to financial institutions using AI systems and impose obligations, including consumer protection measures such as disclosure requirements, grievance mechanisms and resilience requirements, including cybersecurity monitoring, system testing, and continuity planning. It also focuses on governance oversight, including risk assessments, model monitoring, AI inventories, audits, and accountability mechanisms, including incident reporting, sector-wide risk intelligence.
On 25 August 2025, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India signed the Memorandum of Cooperation on the Japan-India Digital Partnership 2.0. The agreement outlines structured collaboration across eight areas, including the semiconductor ecosystem, artificial intelligence, digital corporate partnerships, digital public infrastructure, digital talent, research and development cooperation, start-up collaboration and security for future networks. The memorandum provides for joint research in advanced semiconductor technologies, promotion of semiconductor supply chain resilience and cooperation on display ecosystems. It also includes commitments to pursue a trustworthy AI ecosystem through multilateral fora, coordination of national AI policies, establishment of evaluation methods and standards and consideration of an AI Safety Institute. Further cooperation covers the joint development of digital public infrastructure solutions such as digital ID and payment systems, cross-border collaboration in start-up ecosystems and venture investment, and initiatives for talent development, internships, job fairs and recognition of highly skilled professionals. Both parties agreed to operationalise the partnership through a Joint Working Group, ensure appropriate intellectual property protection and implement activities within a renewable five-year framework based on mutual consent.
On 22 August 2025, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was signed into law by the President of India. The Bill creates a national Authority to regulate, categorise and register online games. The Bill also includes provisions for violations, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to INR 2 crore for repeat offences. Offences are designated as cognisable and non-bailable. Authorities are empowered to conduct searches, seize property, block access to platforms and hold companies and their officers liable.
On 22 August 2025, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was signed into law by the President of India. The Bill imposes a complete ban on online money games involving stakes or monetary deposits. The prohibition extends to offering, facilitating, advertising and financial transactions linked to such games. Banks and payment providers are barred from processing related transactions. The Bill also includes provisions for violations, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to INR 2 crore for repeat offences. Offences are designated as cognisable and non-bailable.
On 21 August 2025, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed by the Council of States of the Indian Parliament. The Bill imposes a complete ban on online money games involving stakes or monetary deposits. The prohibition extends to offering, facilitating, advertising and financial transactions linked to such games. Banks and payment providers are barred from processing related transactions. The Bill also includes provisions for violations, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to INR 2 crore for repeat offences. Offences are designated as cognisable and non-bailable.
On 21 August 2025, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was adopted by the Council of States of the Indian Parliament. The Bill creates a national Authority to regulate, categorise and register online games. The Bill also includes provisions for violations, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to INR 2 crore for repeat offences. Offences are designated as cognisable and non-bailable. Authorities are empowered to conduct searches, seize property, block access to platforms and hold companies and their officers liable.
On 20 August 2025, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed by the House of the People of the Indian Parliament. The Bill creates a national Authority to regulate, categorise and register online games. The Bill also includes provisions for violations, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to INR 2 crore for repeat offences. Offences are designated as cognisable and non-bailable. Authorities are empowered to conduct searches, seize property, block access to platforms and hold companies and their officers liable.
On 20 August 2025, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed by the House of the People of the Indian Parliament. The Bill imposes a complete ban on online money games involving stakes or monetary deposits. The prohibition extends to offering, facilitating, advertising and financial transactions linked to such games. Banks and payment providers are barred from processing related transactions. The Bill also includes provisions for violations, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to INR 2 crore for repeat offences. Offences are designated as cognisable and non-bailable.
On 20 August 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) closes the consultation on the commitment offer submitted by Google, addressing allegations made by Winzo Games (Case No. 42 of 2022). The commitments were issued under Section 48B of the Competition Act, 2002, and the 2024 Commitment Regulations. The commitment proposal addressed concerns over the alleged exclusion of certain Real Money Games (RMG) from Google Play, competitive disadvantages from the selective onboarding of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and rummy applications, and the duration of Google’s pilot programme, through a policy to allow the distribution on Google Play of all RMGs self-declared by developers as permissible under applicable laws and certified by recognised third-party bodies, and to permit advertising in India of all certified games of skill under revised Google Ads policies. The proposal stipulated implementation within 120 days for the Google Play changes and 150 days for the advertising policy changes following CCI’s approval orders, applied uniform eligibility criteria to address alleged discriminatory enforcement and restrictions, and clarified that payment warnings on Google Pay are developer-agnostic, uniformly applied, and mandated by directives of the Reserve Bank of India and the National Payments Corporation of India.
On 19 August 2025, the Delhi High Court ordered the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Telecommunications to issue blocking orders against Sci-Hub and Sci-Net in India over copyright infringement. The Court determined that both websites are primarily intended for copyright infringement and also found that the founder, Alexandra Elbakyan, had breached a 2020 undertaking by uploading new works and launching Sci-Net. The Court mandated blocking orders within 72 hours, and internet service providers to implement these orders within 24 hours.
On 19 August 2025, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was introduced to the House of the People of the Indian Parliament. The Bill imposes a complete ban on online money games involving stakes or monetary deposits. The prohibition extends to offering, facilitating, advertising and financial transactions linked to such games. Banks and payment providers are barred from processing related transactions. The Bill also includes provisions for violations, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to INR 2 crore for repeat offences. Offences are designated as cognisable and non-bailable.
On 19 August 2025, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was introduced to the House of the People of the Indian Parliament. The Bill creates a national Authority to regulate, categorise and register online games. The Bill also includes provisions for violations, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to INR 2 crore for repeat offences. Offences are designated as cognisable and non-bailable. Authorities are empowered to conduct searches, seize property, block access to platforms and hold companies and their officers liable.
On 13 August 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the FREE- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee Report, establishing a framework for responsible and ethical enablement of AI in the financial sector. The framework applies to all RBI-regulated entities, including banks, Non-Banking Financial Company and financial technology operations. The framework is built on seven foundational principles, including innovation, fairness, accountability, safety, resilience and sustainability. The framework operationalises these principles through 26 targeted recommendations across six strategic pillars, balancing innovation enablement, focusing on shared AI infrastructure, innovation sandbox, indigenous AI models, capacity building, and relaxed compliance for low-risk solutions. It also focuses on risk mitigation, including mandatory board-approved AI policies, enhanced governance, cybersecurity frameworks, AI audits, and consumer disclosure requirements.
On 12 August 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) opened a consultation, until 20 August 2025, on a commitment offer submitted by Google addressing allegations made by Winzo Games (Case No. 42 of 2022). The commitments were issued under Section 48B of the Competition Act, 2002, and the 2024 Commitment Regulations. The commitment proposal addressed concerns over the alleged exclusion of certain Real Money Games (RMG) from Google Play, competitive disadvantages from the selective onboarding of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and rummy applications, and the duration of Google’s pilot programme, through a policy to allow the distribution on Google Play of all RMGs self-declared by developers as permissible under applicable laws and certified by recognised third-party bodies, and to permit advertising in India of all certified games of skill under revised Google Ads policies. The proposal stipulated implementation within 120 days for the Google Play changes and 150 days for the advertising policy changes following CCI’s approval orders, applied uniform eligibility criteria to address alleged discriminatory enforcement and restrictions, and clarified that payment warnings on Google Pay are developer-agnostic, uniformly applied, and mandated by directives of the Reserve Bank of India and the National Payments Corporation of India.
On 1 August 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) issued an order in Case No. 34 of 2024 under Section 26(1) of the Competition Act, 2022, directing the Director General (DG) to investigate allegations concerning ad-tech intermediation services provided by Google. The Information, filed under Section 19(1)(a) of the Act, alleged violations of Sections 3(4) and 4 through conduct such as the tying of DoubleClick for Publishers (DFP) with Google’s Ad Exchange (AdX) into Google Ad Manager, imposition of unfair and discriminatory conditions on publishers and third-party exchanges (3PX), abuse of market power through Google’s Open Bidding and Unified Pricing Rule policies, lack of fee transparency, and leveraging of dominance in general web search to protect its position in AdTech markets. The CCI prima facie accepted the relevant market delineation proposed by the Informant, covering publisher ad servers, ad buying tools, ad exchanges, and general web search services in India, and observed that these functionalities are distinct and non-substitutable. Given that similar issues are already under investigation, the CCI decided to consolidate Case No. 34 with Case Nos. 41 of 2021, 10 of 2022, and 36 of 2022, the CCI decided to club the present matter with those cases and directed the DG to conduct a comprehensive investigation and submit a consolidated report.
On 1 August 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) issued an order under Section 26(2A) of the Competition Act, 2002, in Case No. 23(2) of 2024, directing the closure of proceedings initiated by the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) against Alphabet Inc., Google LLC, Google Ireland Limited, Google Asia Pacific Pte Limited, and Google India Private Limited (collectively, 'Google'). The case concerned alleged abuse of dominance in the market for online search advertising services through Google Ads Policies. The CCI noted that ADIF’s allegations, relating to restrictions on third-party technical support ads, limitations on Call Ads, non-transparency in ad rankings, and bidding on trademarked keywords, were substantially similar to issues previously adjudicated in Case Nos. 06 & 46 of 2014 (Vishal Gupta) and Case Nos. 07 & 30 of 2012 (Matrimony.com). The CCI determined that the practices had already been examined and dismissed on merits, with no material change in circumstances provided to warrant a re-investigation. Invoking the newly inserted Section 26(2A) of the Act, which codifies the principle of res judicata in competition enforcement, the CCI concluded that further inquiry was unnecessary and ordered the immediate closure of the matter.
On 1 August 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) issued an order in Case No. 23(1) of 2024 under Section 26(1) of the Competition Act, 2002, directing the Director General to investigate the conduct of Google (Alphabet) in the online display advertising services market. The matter originated from information filed by the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) under Section 19(1)(a), alleging contraventions of Sections 4(2)(a)(i), 4(2)(b)(i), 4(2)(c), 4(2)(d), and 4(2)(e) read with Section 4(1) of the Act. The Commission recorded allegations of abuse of dominance through Google’s AdTech Stack, including tying of DoubleClick for Publishers (DFP) with AdX into Google Ad Manager (GAM), tying of Display & Video 360 (DV360) with AdX, exclusive access to YouTube inventory via DV360, dynamic allocation and “last look” practices, as well as opacity in fee structures and ad placement via AdSense for Search. The Commission held that these allegations, already under investigation in the consolidated Publishers Case (Case Nos. 41 of 2021, 10 of 2022, 36 of 2022, and 34 of 2024), warranted clubbing under the proviso to Section 26(1) and directed a consolidated investigation report to be submitted by the Director General.
On 30 July 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) announced that 43 over-the-top (OTT) platforms have been blocked due to the dissemination of fake news, misinformation, and prohibited content. Acting under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the MIB cited violations of the Code of Ethics applicable to digital news publishers and online curated content providers. These include the transmission of content prohibited by law, failure to self-classify content by age, and insufficient access controls to restrict content inappropriate for children. The government exercised its powers under Section 69A of the Act to block access to digital content in the interest of sovereignty, defence, and public order, and issued an advisory on 19 February 2025 to ensure compliance.
On 24 July 2025, the United Kingdom and India signed a Free Trade Agreement, including provisions to enhance intellectual property (IP) protection by streamlining procedures, reducing administrative burdens, and speeding up processes to ensure transparency and legal certainty. The IP rights protections that apply to all IP-intensive sectors including technology, pharmaceuticals, creative industries, manufacturing, and agriculture. The Agreement implements obligations across copyright with minimum 60-year protection for works, patents with regulatory review exceptions, trademarks with a 10-year minimum terms with electronic systems and geographical indications with sui generis protection. It also focuses on robust enforcement mechanisms including civil remedies, criminal procedures for commercial-scale infringement, border measures, and digital enforcement provisions. The Agreement also establishes a Working Group on Intellectual Property Rights to oversee implementation and facilitate ongoing cooperation between the parties.
On 24 July 2025, the United Kingdom and India signed a Free Trade Agreement including commitments from both countries to safeguard consumer interests and promote a transparent regulatory environment. The Agreement applies to digital trade activities and requires each Party to enforce laws against misleading, deceptive, fraudulent, and unfair commercial practices that harm or could harm consumers. It mandates that online consumers receive protection equivalent in effect to that available in offline commerce, and promotes cooperation between national consumer protection authorities. Parties must also publish information on consumer remedies and business compliance obligations, and improve access to redress mechanisms, including alternative dispute resolution.
Last updated: 17/02/2026