Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Law in India: Recalibrating Legal Responsibility in The Age of Generative AI

Abstract

Abstract This paper examines the challenges posed by Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to cyber law and legal responsibility in India. It argues that the rapid generation and dissemination of synthetic text, images, audio and video complicate traditional approaches to responsibility, particularly where developers, deployers, users and intermediaries exercise different degrees of control over AI-related risks. The study analyses the interaction of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while considering data governance, intermediary liability, AI-generated digital evidence, cybersecurity, transparency and professional responsibility. It proposes a risk-sensitive, lifecycle-based framework in which legal duties correspond to the degree of control, foreseeable harm and institutional responsibility. Particular emphasis is placed on human oversight in AI-assisted adjudication, verification of AI-generated legal material, provenance of synthetic content, privacy and security by design, effective remedies, and institutional documentation through AI-use registers for high-impact applications. The paper concludes that India should promote responsible AI adoption through a human-centred cyber-law framework that balances technological innovation with privacy, authenticity, security and the integrity of legal institutions.