Tech landscape: AI regulation, chip push to take centre stage

FINALISATION OF ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS SCHEME ON THE CARDS

- JATIN GROVER

THE TECH POLICY landscape in 2025 is expected to focus on issues such as the implementation of the data protection law, the possible rollout of the draft of Digital India Act, AI regulation, semiconductor 2.0 incentive scheme and finalisation of the electronics components scheme.

While no major overhauls are anticipated, these areas will shape ongoing discussions and set the groundwork for a long-term action plan for the government.

The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, passed in August 2023, remains a key focus for the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY). Drafting rules to implement the Act is in its final stages, with consultations expected post-publication. "The rules will clarify critical aspects such as consent management, particularly for minors, and exemptions for specific entities or use cases," said Dhruv Garg, partner at the Indian Governance and Policy Project (IGAP).

Even after the rules are notified, a phased implementation is expected to span 18-24 months, providing companies and government departments adequate transition time. A crucial factor in the Act's success will be the resources allocated to the Data Protection Board to ensure robust enforcement and compliance.