The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and new labour codes are set to significantly reshape business models in India’s media and entertainment industry, according to the FICCI–EY Report 2026.
The DPDP Act is expected to require companies to undertake a comprehensive review of how they collect, process, store, and dispose of consumer, vendor, and employee data. This is likely to impact advertising, content personalisation, and data-driven marketing strategies across platforms.
As companies increasingly rely on user data for targeted advertising and personalised content delivery, stricter compliance requirements could lead to changes in data governance frameworks and operational processes.
In parallel, the implementation of new labour codes is expected to impact talent contracting, cost structures, and content pricing within the industry. With talent costs already identified as a major challenge by industry leaders, regulatory changes could further influence hiring practices and project budgets.
The report has highlighted that these regulatory developments come at a time when the M&E sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation, making compliance and operational efficiency critical for sustained growth.
Together, these policy changes are expected to push companies towards more structured, transparent, and compliant business practices, while also influencing long-term investment and operational strategies.
