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    AI Policy Radar

    India DPDP

    Sets the data-side boundary conditions for AI in the world's largest market by users. Significant data fiduciaries (large AI platforms will qualify) face algorithmic due-diligence duties — India's primary lever over AI behavior absent an AI act.

    What it is

    India's data-protection regime became operational with the November 2025 rules: consent-manager infrastructure, breach notification, children's data rules and significant-data-fiduciary obligations — the legal foundation for AI training and deployment involving Indians' data.

    Rules notified 14 Nov 2025; substantive obligations phase in over 12-18 months.

    Who is affected

    Sets the data-side boundary conditions for AI in the world's largest market by users. Significant data fiduciaries (large AI platforms will qualify) face algorithmic due-diligence duties — India's primary lever over AI behavior absent an AI act.

    Key obligations

    • Consent-based processing with consent-manager ecosystem
    • Significant data fiduciaries: DPIAs, audits, algorithmic due diligence
    • Phased compliance through 2026-27

    Recent signals

    • 19 February 2026

      India hosts the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi

      The summit series' fourth leader-level meeting centers inclusive development and Global South priorities — continuing the drift from safety-first framing.

    • 14 November 2025

      India notifies DPDP Rules, activating its data-protection regime

      Phased obligations begin for consent management, breach notification and significant data fiduciaries — the data foundation for AI governance in India.

    • 5 November 2025

      India publishes AI Governance Guidelines, opting against a standalone AI act

      MeitY's framework applies existing law through principles, institutions and voluntary commitments — a landmark pro-innovation choice by the world's most populous nation.