India pushes for a new digital compact—one that safeguards citizens without slowing the momentum of its tech revolution

In a decisive message to global tech giants, Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has called for a more accountable and transparent social media ecosystem, asserting that platforms can no longer remain “neutral conduits” in the age of algorithmic influence. His remarks come at a time when India is preparing for a major overhaul of its digital governance laws, signaling a shift toward a more structured, principle-driven regulatory approach.

Speaking at an industry gathering, Vaishnaw framed the debate around content accountability as central to the next phase of India’s digital evolution. Fake news, deepfakes, online harassment, and manipulative recommendation engines, he argued, have reached a scale where voluntary self-regulation is no longer sufficient. “Platforms must assume responsibility for what circulates on their networks,” he said, adding that user safety cannot be compromised in a hyper-connected society.

Yet, what stood out was his simultaneous assurance to India’s booming tech ecosystem. Vaishnaw emphasized that the government’s regulatory vision will remain firmly pro-innovation. India, he said, must create rules that protect citizens while enabling startups, developers, and digital businesses to design the technologies powering tomorrow—from AI-driven tools to next-generation cyber infrastructure.

Central to this balance is the forthcoming Digital India Act, which is expected to replace the two-decade-old IT Act. Far from being a restrictive law, the new framework is being positioned as a modern, consultative, and future-ready charter. Vaishnaw highlighted that ongoing stakeholder discussions reflect the government’s intention to build a “tech-positive” regulatory environment—one that encourages experimentation but enforces accountability where it matters.

Industry analysts note that India’s stance mirrors the global trend where governments are searching for the middle ground between public safety and the freedom to innovate. For a country projected to add millions of new internet users each year, the stakes are high.

As India moves toward this carefully calibrated digital future, Vaishnaw’s message is clear: responsibility and innovation are not opposing forces—they are twin pillars of a mature digital society.