AI Framework Necessary To Protect Humanity: PM Modi At GPAI Summit

Highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI safety, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the global AI framework is necessary to protect humanity. While addressing the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2023 in Delhi, he stated that AI in the wrong hands can pose a threat to the entire globe.

"We have to complete the global framework within a given time limit. It is very important to do this to protect humanity," PM Modi added. Underlining the negative aspects of AI, Modi said that even though it has the potential to become the strongest tool for development in the 21st century, it can also play a pivotal role in its destruction.

Pointing out the challenges of deepfake, cyber security, data theft and terrorist organisations getting their hands on AI tools, he stressed the need for countermeasures. He threw light on India’s proposal to create a framework for responsible human-centric AI governance during India’s G20 Presidency and said that the G20 New Delhi Declaration has reaffirmed the commitment of all member countries towards ‘AI Principles’. 

He emphasised working together just like the agreements and protocols on various international issues and creating a framework for the ethical use of AI, including the testing and development of high-risk or frontier AI tools. 

Stressing the need for conviction, commitment, coordination and collaboration, the Prime Minister called upon the entire world to not waste even a moment in this direction.

“India will take advantage of AI, we are committed to using it responsibly for the social and economic development of all citizens, It can be useful in achieving sustainable development goals. AI in agriculture as chatbots helping the farmers to know about government policies and schemes and leverage benefits,” said PM Modi.

Explaining the importance of AI in socio-economic development PM said that it can connect people and can foster economic growth along with socio-economic development. He asserted that the technology gap can create inequality, thus technology with democracy will foster inclusive development.

While Talking about the AI initiatives taken by the government, PM Modi said that the national programme for artificial intelligence is bringing research scholars, policymakers and youth together to foster AI development in the country, He further said that the government will soon start “AI Mission” to promote startups and AI application in various fields.

Noting AI as a worldwide movement, the Prime Minister stressed the need for collaboration. He suggested a few questions that need to be addressed to enhance AI’s credibility such as data sets for testing and training AI tools, length and duration of testing before releasing any product to the market. 

He also asked whether a software watermark can be introduced to mark any information or product as AI-generated.

Addressing the stakeholders in the government, the Prime Minister asked them to explore the data of various schemes for evidence-based decision-making and see if the data can be used to train AI tools. He asked if there could be an audit mechanism that can categorise AI tools into red, yellow or green as per their capabilities. 

“Can we establish an institutional mechanism that ensures resilient employment? Can we bring a standardised global AI education curriculum? Can we set standards to prepare people for an AI-driven future?," the Prime Minister stated.