Indian policymakers met with industry representatives about the impact the proposed digital competition bill would have on data and the digital market.

Stakeholders appeared to have broadly different opinions on the regulation, but some supported that provision, believing it could .

Nine industry associations and representatives of government bodies, besides executives from some companies, were present at the MEITY meeting, according to reports.

Among the participants were the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), the Alliance of MakeMyTrip, the Digital India Foundation (ADIF), the Indian Fantasy Sports Federation, the Cyber Cafe Association of India (CCAOI), INSA and the Digital News Publishers Association.

The meeting was attended by members of the Indian Competition Commission (CCI) and the Ministry of Enterprise (MCA) as observers.

Industry association IAMAI argued that the proposed legislation would be a long-term deterrent to investment.

"The digital industry can't sustain dual laws: a Competition Act and the proposed ex-ante law, which is unfair. The definition of SSDE includes virtually all companies which is an overreach. The current Bill is not going to solve the revenue-sharing issue. There are some genuine problems between platforms and BigTech, which needs to be sorted out with amendments in current laws like the current Competition Act and IT Act,” says Subho Ray, president, IAMAI.

Prateek Jain, associate director for startups and alliances, ADIF says, “The legislation strikes the right balance between promoting innovation and ensuring fair competition. This framework will empower homegrown innovators, safeguard consumer interests, and foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth.”

However, the existing legislation proposed in its current form and form is not necessary and needs to be re-examined, as per reports.