AI is quickly becoming a norm in society hence the need to put into place sets of rules that will dictate the extent of its application. Currently, the consideration of regulating Artificial Intelligence across the globe including in India is essential. Given the fact that AI affects practically all spheres of life including healthcare, education, business, and security of the state India should develop a policy to unleash the usage of artificial intelligence correctly. By creating a better set of regulations, India would be able to safeguard the interests of its people encourage technological advancement in the sector of artificial intelligence, and make a great example of AI governance. This will assist the country reign in the advantages of the existing technology and also consider the disadvantages.
Tags: GS-2, Governance- Government Policies & Interventions– E-Governance, GS-3, Science & Technology- IT & Computers- AI
Context:
- The Summit of the Future, set for September 2024, is a significant event where global leaders and stakeholders will gather to further the Global Digital Compact (GDC) under the auspices of the United Nations.
- The GDC seeks to establish a cooperative framework aimed at closing the digital divide, achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and creating a secure and inclusive digital environment.
- A primary emphasis is on enhancing international governance of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), in alignment with fundamental rights and values.
- India is encouraged to take an active role in shaping global discussions on AI governance, ensuring it aligns with its developmental priorities.
Geopolitical Contestation:
- U.S.-Led AI Resolution:
- The United States championed the resolution ‘Safe, Secure and Trustworthy AI for Sustainable Development,’ advocating a unified approach to AI governance.
- The resolution pushes for shared ethical principles, data protection measures, and transparency standards, aiming to establish U.S. dominance in AI technology and influence global development norms.
- China-Led AI Resolution:
- China introduced the resolution ‘Enhancing Cooperation on Capacity Building of AI,’ focusing on equitable AI benefits, reducing the digital divide, and promoting a non-discriminatory business environment.
- This approach underscores China’s strategy to position itself as a major player in global trade and technology standards, while promoting inclusive AI development.
- Geopolitical Tensions:
- The contrasting resolutions from the U.S. and China highlight growing geopolitical contestation in digital governance, each seeking to shape AI standards to reflect their respective national interests.
- UN’s Emerging Role:
- The United Nations is becoming the central platform for shaping global AI standards, leveraging its inclusive framework to address challenges and promote international cooperation.
- India’s Strategic Influence:
- With its active involvement at the UN, G-20, and Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), India is well-positioned to ensure the Global Digital Compact (GDC) aligns with its developmental and ethical priorities.
UN’s Role Toward AI:
- Establishing Global Standards:
- The UN serves as the central forum for developing and harmonising international standards for AI, addressing ethical concerns, and ensuring consistent global regulations.
- Promoting Inclusive Dialogue:
- The UN facilitates inclusive discussions among member states, stakeholders, and experts to reconcile diverse national interests and perspectives on AI governance.
- Addressing Ethical and Safety Concerns:
- The UN focuses on setting guidelines for AI ethics, safety, and security to prevent misuse and protect human rights, ensuring that AI technologies are developed responsibly.
- Supporting Capacity Building:
- Through various initiatives and partnerships, the UN aids countries in building capacity for AI development and implementation, especially in developing nations, to bridge the digital divide.
- Encouraging International Cooperation:
- The UN fosters international cooperation by coordinating joint research, data sharing, and collaborative projects, enhancing global efforts to tackle AI-related challenges and opportunities.
India’s Influence in AI Governance:
- Active Participation in International Forums
- India has consistently engaged in international dialogues on AI, including its role in the United Nations (UN) and G-20 summits.
- This participation ensures that India’s perspectives and developmental priorities are represented in global AI policy discussions.
- India’s involvement in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) and its contributions to AI-related resolutions at the UN.
- Promoting Ethical AI Development
- India advocates for the development of ethical AI frameworks that align with its values and developmental needs.
- This includes supporting initiatives that emphasise transparency, data privacy, and equitable access to AI technologies.
- India’s support for the UN’s AI ethics guidelines and its national strategies focusing on responsible AI use.
- Bridging the Digital Divide
- India emphasises the importance of making AI technologies accessible to underprivileged and rural areas.
- This focus aims to ensure that AI benefits are distributed equitably across different socio-economic groups.
- Initiatives like the Digital India programme and policies aimed at expanding digital infrastructure in rural regions.
- Advancing Research and Innovation
- India invests in AI research and development through public and private sectors, fostering innovation and creating a conducive environment for AI advancements.
- The establishment of AI research hubs and funding for AI innovation through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- Championing Global South Interests
- India’s diplomatic efforts at the UN reflect its commitment to advocating for the interests of the Global South, ensuring that global AI policies consider the needs and constraints of developing countries.
- India’s stance on ensuring equitable technology transfer and financial support as demonstrated in climate negotiations, which it seeks to extend to AI governance.
India’s Diplomatic Weight in AI Governance:
- Formation of Developing Country Coalitions
- India’s role in establishing alliances like the Green Group and BASIC Group highlights its commitment to representing developing countries’ interests in global negotiations.
- Advocacy in Global Agreements
- India’s active involvement in the Paris Agreement and Dubai Summit demonstrates its focus on securing fair terms and obligations for developing countries.
- Addressing Structural Inequalities in AI
- India’s efforts to address challenges such as limited infrastructure and capital in AI reflect its broader advocacy for equity and accessibility in global discussions.
- Leveraging Global Platforms for Equity
- By influencing forums like the G-20 and GPAI, India aims to promote fair access to AI resources and equitable benefit-sharing, using the UN’s platform for wider impact.
- Promoting Inclusive AI Governance
- India’s advocacy for a comprehensive, inclusive approach to AI governance emphasises human rights, global perspectives, and support for marginalised and under-represented groups.
Challenges India Faces in AI Governance
- Structural Inequalities
- India struggles with inadequate advanced computing infrastructure, limited high-quality data, and insufficient capital, which restrict its capacity to fully engage and compete in AI innovations.
- Bridging the Digital Divide
- Tackling the gap in technological access and digital literacy across diverse regions remains a significant challenge for equitable AI development and deployment.
- Ensuring Equitable Benefits
- There is a risk of AI benefits being unequally distributed, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities and leaving marginalised communities further behind.
- Navigating Geopolitical Tensions
- India’s efforts in AI governance must carefully navigate the geopolitical landscape shaped by major global players, like the U.S. and China, to maintain balanced international relations.
- Aligning with International Standards
- India needs to ensure that its AI governance frameworks not only align with international norms but also address local needs and development priorities, fostering a fair and inclusive approach.
Steps Taken by India to Address AI Challenges:
- Building Technical Capacity
- Investment in Infrastructure: India is investing in advanced computing infrastructure and establishing AI research centres to enhance its technological capabilities.
- Education and Training: Initiatives like the National Programme on AI aim to increase AI literacy and skills among students and professionals.
- Bridging the Digital Divide
- Digital India Initiative: This program focuses on improving digital infrastructure, expanding internet access, and enhancing digital literacy across the country.
- Government Schemes: Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) aim to increase digital literacy in rural areas.
- Promoting Equitable Benefits
- AI for All: India is advocating for inclusive AI policies that ensure benefits are accessible to diverse populations, including marginalised communities.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative efforts with private sector players to develop AI solutions that address societal challenges and provide broader access.
- Navigating Geopolitical Tensions
- Active Participation in Global Forums: India engages in international forums like the G-20 and GPAI to shape global AI policies and ensure its interests are represented.
- Strategic Alliances: India forms strategic alliances with other countries and international organisations to balance geopolitical dynamics and foster collaborative AI development.
- Aligning with International Standards
- Regulatory Frameworks: India is developing and implementing AI governance frameworks that align with international standards while addressing local needs.
- Advocacy for Global Standards: Through platforms like the UN and international summits, India advocates for global AI governance standards that are inclusive and respectful of human rights.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q1. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)
- Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
- Create meaningful short stories and songs
- Disease diagnosis
- Text-to-Speech Conversion
- Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
- 2, 4 and 5 only
- 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (b)
Mains:
Q:1 Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare? (2023)
Q:2 What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (2022)
Q:3 “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (2020)
Source: TH
FAQs
Q: What are the main questions about India’s necessity to pay more attention to the problem of AI governance?
Answer: Subsequently, AI is gradually integrated into the healthcare, education, and security sectors of the Indian economy, this means that the government needs to monitor the use of AI and its applications to prevent abuse of citizens’ data and to create awareness of its usage. This will also lead to India transforming into an AI development powerhouse of the world.
Q: In what way is India positioning itself to be part of the conversation when it comes to AI regulation?
Answer: India can favorably influence AI governance through the development of a suitable legislation enforcement framework, cooperation with international organizations, and by making ethical AI guidelines the norm. The availability of a talented workforce in Information Technology and the growing digital market in India helps India to set the world AI policies.
Q: What are the potentials of AI governance structure in India?
Answer: An appropriate and efficient AI governance framework can foster sustainable growth and increase the use of AI technology for the benefit of society as well as protect the rights of individuals. It will assist India to be at the forefront in the growth of AI while reducing possible negatives such as loss of jobs or misuse of data.
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