India is taking the lead in developing a draft global AI regulatory framework that will be discussed and debated in June-July this year. Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, highlighted the necessity for such a framework during his virtual address at the 32nd edition of the Nasscom India & Leadership Forum. Chandrasekhar emphasized the importance of aligning around principles to create this global framework, with India spearheading the drafting process. This draft framework will be put forth for discussion at the upcoming Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) event, with India holding the lead chair position this year.
The government’s focus on establishing guardrails for generative AI stems from the essential need for safety and trust in the AI landscape. Chandrasekhar stressed the accountability of every platform for any harm caused or enabled, emphasizing the necessity for safe and trusted AI. With a significant online population in India and growing global connectivity, Chandrasekhar underscored the responsibility to collaborate on regulations that protect consumers and citizens. The goal is to ensure that AI serves as a kinetic enabler of the digital economy while being bound by legal guardrails that prioritize safety and trust.
By retrofitting existing frameworks to account for the complexity and impact of AI, India aims to cultivate an environment where AI operates safely within set parameters. Chandrasekhar advised shifting the narrative from responsible and ethical AI to safe and trusted AI, emphasizing the avoidance of harm to individuals and businesses. The indirect accountability of AI users was also highlighted as a critical aspect in this evolving regulatory landscape. With the imminent rise of connected individuals globally, the development of legal guardrails for AI becomes fundamental in fostering a secure digital environment.
India’s proactive approach towards developing a comprehensive AI regulatory framework reflects the nation’s commitment to creating a safe and trustworthy AI ecosystem. With the impending discussions at the GPAI event, India’s leadership in this domain signals a significant step towards setting global standards for responsible AI deployment. As digital technologies continue to evolve, the emphasis on legal guardrails and accountability mechanisms becomes paramount in safeguarding the interests of both users and society at large.
