Technology
Is legal compliance a stumbling block or a long-term investment for Indian startups?
In this episode of Chai & Chips, I sat down with Karishma Sundara, founder of Kintsugi Law. With a decade’s experience advising on TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications) at India’s top-tier law firms, Karishma breaks down the rapidly evolving legal landscape in India.
We discuss the philosophy behind "Kintsugi Law", and how compliance can offer a sustainable, "golden" foundation. From the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP) to the complexities of AI labelling and consent managers, this conversation is a must-watch for founders and tech enthusiasts trying to keep up with the law.
In this episode, we cover:
- The meaning of Kintsugi and why compliance is an investment.
- The impact of India’s new online gaming and data protection laws.
- Global comparisons: How India’s AI regulations stack up against the EU and China.
- What "Consent Managers" are and how they will change consumer privacy.
- Advice for startups: Building a compliant framework from day one.
- The future of legal practice in the age of generative AI tools and legal tech.
Chapters:
02:27 - Introduction: Karishma Sundara & The Philosophy of 'Kinsugi Law'
03:27 - TMT Landscape: Online Gaming, Data Protection, AI Labeling, and Global Comparisons
10:33 - AI & Content Creators: Do You Need to Label Your Output?
12:42 - India’s Approach to Tech Regulation: Balancing Innovation and Control
14:33 - The DPDP Act: Understanding Consent and Security Safeguards
23:36 - Legal Advice for Startups: Compliance as an Investment, Not a Cost
25:11 - Unintended Consequences: Consent Managers and Notice Fatigue
28:28 - Rapid Fire: Consulting Styles, Movies, and Passions outside Law
35:03 - The Future of Law: AI's Impact on Pending Cases & Young Lawyers
41:31 – The Final Question – Vision of India
Disclaimer: The content of this episode is purely informational. Nothing contained in this episode should be construed, or considered as, or relied upon as legal advice.
Resources:
Find Karishma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karishma-sundara/
Find Prakash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakash-mallya/
Find Prakash on X: https://x.com/PrakashMallya
Find Prakash on Substack: https://www.prakashmallya.com/s/chai-and-chips-podcast
Find Prakash on Medium: https://medium.com/@pmallya2411
All episode transcripts are available on Substack and Medium.