India Pushes 6G Patent Lead & Cracks Down on AI Deepfakes

The Indian government has set a target to secure 10% of all global 6G patents by 2030, reflecting its aggressive push in next-generation telecom. ETTelecom.com+2Business Standard+2
This ambition is backed by ₹300 crore funding for 111+ 6G-related research projects, according to the Telecom Ministry. India Brand Equity Foundation+2The Economic Times+2
India now ranks among the top six nations globally in 6G patent filings, according to the Minister of State for Telecom. The Economic Times+2The Economic Times+2
The strategy also leans on AI-native networks, satellite communications (satcom), and localized tech capacity as core pillars of its 6G vision. Business Standard+1

What This Means:

If successful, India could be a key architect of 6G—not just a consumer.
Such a push can catalyze new industries (IoT, smart infrastructure) and significantly contribute to economic growth.
This approach may also strengthen India’s data sovereignty and telecommunications security.

The Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) has amended IT rules to require social media platforms to label AI-generated and deepfake content. APAC Media+1
Platforms will need to ensure that at least 10% of an image’s visual area, or the first 10% of an audio/clip, carries a visible “AI-generated” watermark or label. The Economic Times
Users uploading content must declare whether it’s AI-generated or modified, adding a layer of transparency. India Today+1
These changes aim to combat deepfake misuse (e.g., misinformation, impersonation) and protect users from deception. India Today
The legal framework also increases oversight: takedown requests for questionable content will now be reviewed at a higher official level. APAC Media

Impact & Concerns:

Could help rebuild trust in social media by making it clear when content is synthetic.
Platforms may face technical challenges implementing real-time verification and watermarking.
Critics worry about chilling effects—users may self-censor for fear of being flagged, especially in creative or political spaces.

Tech Sovereignty: Strong 6G IP could position India as a technological powerhouse, not just a consumer market.
Digital Trust: By regulating AI content, India is attempting to preempt the harms of deepfakes before they become rampant.
Inclusive Innovation: These policies support India’s broader vision of democratizing advanced tech—while prioritizing ethical guardrails.
Strategic Edge: Leadership in 6G and AI regulation could give India both economic and geopolitical leverage.