India seeks mandatory labelling of AI content in draft framework: Report
The Centre has reportedly been preparing a governance framework that seeks compulsory labels on AI‑generated content online, aligning India with stricter international transparency rules.
India is preparing an artificial intelligence governance framework that seeks mandatory labelling of AI‑generated content across the internet, as per a report by The Economic Times which cited sources.
The move has reportedly been framed as a way to bolster transparency and digital sovereignty over synthetic media online.
The report added that the Centre has studied recent rulemaking in the European Union and China as it has shaped its approach, including the EU’s transparency obligations for synthetic media and China’s nationwide labelling requirements that have taken effect on 1 September 2025.
The framework also aims to align with emerging global standards on provenance, watermarking and metadata so users can identify synthetic images, audio, video and text.
The labelling trend
The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act has entered into force and has included obligations for providers and deployers to inform users when they interact with AI systems and when they see AI‑generated or manipulated content, with detailed guidance in development through a European Commission consultation on transparency and a code of practice.
Many of the specific transparency duties for synthetic media have been scheduled to apply on a phased basis from 2026.
In addition, China introduced nationwide requirements mandating labels for AI‑generated content, in force since 1 September 2025.
Feasibility and industry readiness
Regulators have reportedly been evaluating practical tools, such as watermarking, provenance metadata and on‑platform labels, to help users distinguish synthetic media.
Ofcom in the UK, for instance, has published an “attribution toolkit” assessing the strengths and limitations of watermarking and labelling approaches for deepfakes.