The Indian government is actively developing a framework to evaluate the safety and trustworthiness of artificial intelligence (AI) systems but aims to avoid hasty regulations that could stifle innovation. This approach was outlined by S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Global Economic Policy Forum on Thursday.
Focus on safe and trusted AI
Krishnan highlighted the government’s distinction between “responsible AI,” as perceived by Western nations, and “safe and trusted AI,” which forms the cornerstone of India’s approach under the IndiaAI mission.
“Safe and trusted AI involves fostering innovation while ensuring responsible practices,” Krishnan explained. “We are working on mechanisms to assess safety and trust to ensure that AI solutions work for everyone. However, we don’t want to start with regulation, as it could hinder progress in this rapidly evolving field.”
He added that while there is a pressing need to address specific harms from AI, such as misrepresentation and the misuse of deepfakes, the existing legal framework in India is sufficient to deal with these challenges.
Balancing innovation and oversight
Krishnan stressed that striking a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring accountability is crucial. The government is adopting a cautious approach to avoid replicating the regulatory hurdles faced in other countries while ensuring ethical AI development.
“Regulation in its early stages could inadvertently harm the innovative potential of AI,” he stated. “Instead, we are focusing on creating an environment where AI systems are safe and trusted, with assessments that benefit all stakeholders.”
Addressing copyright and data concerns
On the issue of copyright in AI-generated content, Krishnan mentioned that this would be governed by court rulings rather than immediate legislative action. He also dismissed concerns about regulating AI for existential threats, noting that such fears are not currently pertinent to India’s policy priorities.
The Secretary acknowledged concerns surrounding personal data use in AI applications. These issues, he noted, have been addressed comprehensively in the recently enacted Digital Personal Data Protection Act, with accompanying rules expected soon.
AI’s impact on jobs in India
Krishnan also discussed the potential impact of AI on employment, particularly in the context of generative AI systems. He noted that India’s job market, with its relatively lower proportion of white-collar office jobs compared to Western countries, is less vulnerable to disruptions caused by AI.
“Our concerns about job loss in India are not as severe as in the West,” Krishnan remarked. “We are actively working on skilling individuals to take on roles that may emerge as traditional jobs evolve. Generative AI might replace certain tasks, but this is an opportunity to upskill and diversify our workforce.”
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Opportunities for skilling and innovation
The government is focusing on equipping individuals with the skills needed to adapt to a changing employment landscape. By prioritising workforce development and leveraging India’s demographic strengths, the nation aims to position itself as a leader in the global AI ecosystem.
“We have looked at job loss from the perspective of re-skilling and up-skilling. India’s workforce is resilient and adaptable, and we are committed to providing the necessary tools to navigate this transition,” Krishnan said.
India’s AI strategy on the global stage
The IndiaAI mission, with its emphasis on safe and trusted AI, positions the country as a key player in the global AI landscape. By fostering innovation without overburdening developers with regulations, India aims to achieve a balance between growth and governance.
Krishnan concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to creating a robust AI ecosystem that prioritises ethical development, inclusivity, and safety. “AI offers tremendous potential, and with the right measures in place, we can harness its benefits while minimising risks,” he stated.
Looking ahead
As India continues to refine its AI strategy, the focus remains on fostering a responsible and secure AI environment that benefits all sectors of society. By addressing challenges such as data privacy, copyright issues, and workforce disruptions with a measured approach, India is positioning itself as a leader in the global AI revolution.
For now, the government’s emphasis on safe and trusted AI provides a clear roadmap for balancing innovation with accountability, ensuring that AI serves as a tool for progress rather than disruption.
