On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the significant concern of terrorists gaining access to artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing the potential "big threat" it poses to the world. He advocated for the establishment of a global framework to ensure the ethical utilization of AI.

Addressing the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit, Modi affirmed India's unwavering dedication to the responsible and ethical application of artificial intelligence.

He pointed out that Artificial Intelligence has the potential to become the most significant tool for development in the 21st century. However, he also highlighted its equal potential as a force that could jeopardize the 21st century.

"Besides the challenge of deepfakes, cyber security, and data theft, AI tools falling into the hands of terrorists pose a big threat. Global security will face a big threat if AI-laced weapons were to reach terrorist organizations. We have to deliberate on this issue and reach a concrete plan to stop the misuse of AI," he said.

During India's G20 presidency, the Prime Minister disclosed that the country had put forth a proposal to establish a responsible and human-centric governance framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Tuesday that India will soon launch an AI Mission to build artificial intelligence-related computing capabilities across the country.

“We are going to launch an AI Mission in India soon. The objective of this mission will be to maximize the potential of AI computing in India and provide Indian startups and innovators with better opportunities,” he said.

“As part of this mission, the application of artificial intelligence technologies will be promoted in sectors, such as agriculture, healthcare, and education,” Modi said.

He suggested harnessing the potential of AI to advance the knowledge base of the Sanskrit language and proposed employing AI to restore the missing volumes of Vedic mathematics. He affirmed that the direction of AI will be shaped by human values and democratic principles. According to him, trust in AI will increase when ethical, economic, and social concerns are effectively addressed. He noted that the existing network of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the country will be used to promote AI skills and learning in tier-II and tier-III cities. 

Furthermore, he stated that addressing privacy concerns hinges on ensuring the security of data. "We have to complete the global framework within a set timeframe," he said adding this was essential for the security and progress of the world and humanity.

PM Modi said there are many positive aspects of AI, but the negative aspects related to it are also a matter of equal concern. Calling for an “extremely cautious” approach to the use of AI, the prime minister flagged the potential risks and challenges posed by the “darker aspects” of AI, including the possible weaponization of the technology by non-state actors. "AI is transformative. But it must be made as transparent as possible." He added, "a good beginning will be to make data and algorithms transparent and free from bias."

The Prime Minister emphasized that the world is entering a new era with AI, noting that "AI can become the largest base for deciding the future." He stated that his government is committed to leveraging the complete capabilities of AI for social development and inclusive growth. Technology when combined with democratic values, acts as a multiplier for inclusiveness and equity, he said.

"Today India is an important player in AI talent and new ideas related to AI. Young Indian tech experts and researchers are exploring the limits of AI," he said.

He highlighted the national program in AI, the AIRAWAT initiative, and the upcoming AI mission to illustrate India's rapid progress in harnessing the power of new technologies.

"In India, we are going to launch an AI mission to establish the required capacities for AI computing that will help startups and innovators. Through this, AI applications will be promoted in areas like agriculture, healthcare, and education sectors," he said.

He recommended addressing certain aspects to bolster the credibility of AI, including the provision of comprehensive datasets for testing and training AI tools, as well as evaluating the duration and extent of testing before introducing a product to the market. Additionally, he posed the question of whether a Software Watermark could be introduced to identify information or products as AI-generated.

Addressing the stakeholders in the government, the Prime Minister urged them to delve into the data of various schemes to facilitate evidence-based decision-making and determine their suitability for training AI tools. He inquired about the feasibility of implementing an audit mechanism capable of categorizing AI tools into red, yellow, or green based on their capabilities.

The GPAI Summit -- a three-day conference on artificial intelligence – includes key governing body meetings and various side events; it is seeing participation from 29 member countries, and some invitees.

Image source: PTI