India Widens Trusted Source Norms For Stronger Cybersecurity And Responsible AI

The government is considering extending trusted source norms beyond telecommunications networks to encompass critical sectors, devices, and the IoT ecosystem, as stated by a senior government official on Tuesday. Speaking at an Assocham event on AI, National Cyber Security Coordinator MU Nair emphasised the need for the industry to invest in a robust cybersecurity ecosystem. This move aims to strengthen industrial and commercial ecosystems, especially considering India's status as one of the most targeted nations in the cybersecurity domain.

Nair highlighted that the potency of AI tools is derived from the data they utilise, forming the basis for algorithms to generate models, predictions, options, and results. The effectiveness of these tools hinges on the quality of the data they have access to, among other factors. 

"For data access, we need networks that are robust, secure, and resilient. This is where a country has shown the way ahead through the trusted source and trusted product mechanism steered through the National Security directive on telecom security. It's actually been a successful model. While this is now applicable only for telecom networks, its applicability in other critical sectors as also reaching out to the device and IoT ecosystem is being explored," Nair said. 

He emphasised the aspiration for the country to admit only trusted products into networks in the coming years, following the successful model established in the telecom sector. 

Earlier in the day, Amar Patnaik, BJD leader and member of the standing committee on finance, public undertaking, and subordinate legislation, expressed the potential positive impact of AI on society at various levels. 

"Responsible AI means making sure people trust it. Regulations should find a balance between preventing harm and encouraging innovation, all to build trust. Making AI available to everyone means making sure everyone has access to the data they need. It's important to test new AI ideas in safe environments and to check how they'll affect society. India has a chance to be a leader in AI by using its unique data," Patnaik said. 

Highlighting the significance of data access, Patnaik noted that making AI available to everyone requires ensuring universal access to the necessary data. He advocated for testing new AI ideas in safe environments and assessing their societal impact. Patnaik also underscored India's opportunity to lead in AI by leveraging its unique data, calling attention to the dominance of big tech companies in data possession and the importance of providing smaller businesses and startups access to data. Additionally, he urged governments to promote open data sharing and create an environment conducive to the flourishing of new ideas.