Key facts
- New cybersecurity rules proposed for connected and smart vehicles in India
- Regulations aim to prevent malware and hacking risks
- Rules would cover vehicle design through software update cycles
India is moving to establish dedicated cybersecurity rules for smart vehicles, with new proposals aimed at preventing malware infections and cyberattacks on the increasingly software-driven cars sold in the country, The Times of India reported.
Modern vehicles — whether electric or conventional — now carry dozens of networked systems controlling everything from infotainment and GPS to engine management and advanced driver-assistance features. This connectivity, while enhancing the driving experience, opens pathways for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities, potentially compromising vehicle safety or stealing personal data.
The proposed regulations would require automakers to implement security measures across the vehicle lifecycle, from design and manufacturing through to over-the-air software updates. Countries including the European Union and South Korea have already enacted similar frameworks, and India's move signals that regulators here recognise connected vehicles as a critical infrastructure concern rather than just a consumer technology issue.
For Indian car buyers, the rules would offer greater assurance that the vehicles they drive meet a baseline of digital safety. For automakers — both domestic players and international brands competing in India's fast-growing premium and EV segments — compliance will mean embedding cybersecurity as a core engineering requirement rather than an afterthought.